EVANGELIC  POETRY: 


FOR  THE 

PURPOSES  of  DEVOTION* 

EXCITED  BY 

SPIRITUAL  SONGSi 

-  AND 

CONVICTION  URGED  BY  GOSPEL 
TRUTH. 


by  PEL  ATIAH   CHAPIN,    /  ?u 

IN  HoPKfNTON. 


Te  Sons  of  Earth  !  ( nor  willing  to  be  more  ! ) 
SinceVerk  you  think  from  prieft-craft  fomewhat  free9 
Thus  in  an  age  fo  gay>  the  Mufe  plain  truths 
(  Truths  which  at  church  you  might  have  heard  in 
Has  ventured  into  light [profe) 
Night  Thoughts. 


CONCORD: 
Printed  by  Geo.  Hough,  for  the  Author.1 


M.DC€.XCIV. 


PREFACE 


ThE  motives  which  urge  Chriftian  devo- 
tion, and  the  danger  of  treating  them  with  ne- 
glect, is  evident  to  all  who  maintain  a  devout  life, 
to  whom  every  work  appears  great  which  belongs 
to  the  charafter  of  a  true  Chriftian  ;  and  while 
duty,  as  it  confifts  in  true  love  to  Chrift,  in  every 
a£t  requires  clofe  attention,  left  motives  be  wrong, 
thofe  who  approve  themfelves  to  God  will  find 
great  confolation  in  the  ftrength  of  Chrift,  in  all 
which  he  calls  them  to  do  or  fuffer :  The  glory 
pf  the  Redeemer,  revealed  in  the  Gofpel,  and  the 
reafons  why  he  (hould  be  praifed,  will  poffefa  the 
hearts  of  his  friends,  with  defires  that  all  would 
unite  to  ferve  the  great  purpofes  of  his  glory ;  and 
every  attempt  to  declare  it,  will  have  their  kind 
approbation. 

As  what  is  contained  in  the  following  ftanzas* 
relates  to  EVANGELIC  GLORY,  the  neceffity* 
of  an  apology,  is  fuperceded  by  the  weight  of 
the  fubjeft,  and  excufea  the  Author's  attempt  un- 
der all  the  difadyaatages  which  attend  the  publi- 
cation. 

To  compare  what  is  here  publiQied,  with  fome 
former  writings*  it  will  be  found,  that  not  only  an 

ideal* 


P  R  E  F  A  C  E. 


ideal,  but  a  verbal  lik^nefs,  is  admitted  on  ferns 
occafions,  which  could  not  well  be  avoided,  with 
juftice  to  the  fubjetl. 

May  the  reader's  heart  be  fufceptive  of  religious 
imprellions,  from  the  lips  of  babes,  and  gain  thofe 
benefits  which  may  eaCly  be  loft,  by  curiofity  qr 
coldnefs ;  humility,  watchfulnefs  and  prayer,  will 
give  fcope  to  devotion^  though  aflifted  by  fmajl 
capacities. 

May  Divine  Glory  employ  our  attention,  and 
fupport  our  hope,  in  every  fcene  of  life ;  and  we 
be  furniflied  with  well  eftabliflied  profpe£ts  of 
complete  happinefs,  in  the  kingdom  and  glory  of 
Chrift,  when  all  promifes  relating  to  his  and  his 
people's  bleffednefs,  fhall  be  completed  in  the  glo- 
ry of  the  eternal  world ;  and  the  rays  of  divine 
light,  (o  illume  every  foul,  as  to  abundantly  out? 
ftiine  this  glow-worm  appearance  of 


the  AUTHOR. 


0000000.00000000000000000000000000 

TABLE    of  CONTENTS. 


PART  I. 

Abfalom's  Rebellion  applied  to  the  Char  after  and 
Deflruiiion  of  the  Enemies  of  Chrijt.  page 
Sect.  I.         Confpiracy      -        -      -  9 

II.  David  fleeth  from  Jerufalem  11 

III.  David's  Submiffion  12 

IV.  Shimei  curfeth  David       -       -  13 

V.  Ahithopbers  Apoftacy,  &c.  14 

VI.  D  avid's  Charge  of  Abfalonf  1 6 
Vir.  David's  Lamentation  -  17 
Vill.    (Sonclufion      -      >       -  20 


PART  IL 
4      Vcrjion  on  Solomon's  Songs,  22 

PART  ill. 
Glorious  Peace  in  Chrift7  s  mediatorial  Govt 
ernment,  chiefly  on  IJaiah,     -     •  44 

PART  IV. 
Hypocrify  and  Duty  contrafted,       -  57 


PART  V. 
fhe  Angelas  Addrefs  to  Chrifi  in  the  Garden^  64 

PART  VI. 
Go/pel  Truth  in  typical  Scenes: 

Scene  I.   Mofes  a  Type  of  Chrift      -  -  71 

IL   Samfon  a  Type  of  Chrift       -  72 

III.  Adam  a  Type  of  Chrift      -  73 

IV.  Jacob's  Ladder  74. 

V.  The  Ark         -  .  it 

VI.  The  Mercy  Seat     -      -  77 

VII.  Smitten 


vi  contents: 

VII.  Smitten  Rock  in  the  Wildernefe,  ibid, 

VIII.  the  High  Prieft      -       -  78 

IX.  The  brazen  Serpent      »       *  79 

X.  The  Leper  r  89 
Xf.  The  cleanfing  of  the  Leper  81 
XII.  The  Candleftick  ■  •  -  8* 
XUI.  The  Meat  Offering      r      -  ib. 


PART  VII. 

fA  Monitory  Inquiry  %  -       S  83 

PART  VIII. 

The  Allegory  of  Jobnjon's  mathematical 

Quejtion  invejtigated%       -        -  gf 

PART  IX. 
Particular  T txts9  and  devout  Exenifes9 
text  illujtrated. 

1.  God  created  the  Heavens  and  the  Earth  1 1& 

2.  O  the  Depth  -  -  -  -  m 
3  The  Earth  mourneth      -      %      -  lit 

4.  The  Beloved      *         -         -  113 

5.  Come  down  -  -  -  115 
o.  Ye  worfhip,  ye  know  not  what  n<5> 
7  I  will  give  thee  Reft         -         -  117 

8.  Before  all  the  People  I  will  be  glorified  11S 

9.  He  taught  the  Men  of  Succoth  -  ibid 
to.  Chrift  died  for  us         -         -  119 

11.  BleiTed  are  ye  that  hunger         •  « 20 

12.  Madnefs  is  in  their  Heart      -      m  121 

13.  Wretched  Man  that  I  am         -  122 

14.  Thine  Eyes  (hall  fee  the  King      -  iif 

15.  He  that  hath  the  Son,  hath  Life  124 

16.  BleiTed  is  the  Man  that  trufteth,  &c.  125 

1 7.  All  the  Days  of  my  appointed  Time,  &c.  ib. 

18.  Lo  !  I  come  !  126 

19.  I  will  publifh  the  Name  of  the  Lord  127 
zq.  I  will  not  turn  away  from  them,  &c.  ib. 

21*  Behold 


CONTENTS. 


vii 


ttl  Behold  the  King  cometh      •      •  128 

22.  Life  is  in  his  Son       -       -       *  1  *9 

23.  Heareth  &  doerht  heareth  &  doeth  not  130 

24.  Fear  not,  little  Flock  131 

25.  To  them  gave  he  Power  to  become,  &c.  132 

26.  Be  perfedl  ib. 

27.  And  make  our  Abode  with  him  113 

28.  Behold !  here  am  I       -      -      •  134 

29.  I  wai  ed  patiently  for  the  Lord      -  135 

30.  He  hath  put  a  new  Song  in  my  Mouth  136 

3 1.  Many  are  the  Afflictions  of  the  Righteous  1 37 
33.  Mary  hath  chofen  that  good  part  ib. 

33.  Behold  !  I  ft  and  at  the  Door  138 

34.  Conlolation  in  Chrift      -         -  139 

35.  That  ye  love  one  another      •       •  ib. 

36.  Come,  ye  Blefled  of  my  Father  140 

37.  What  lack  I  yet  141 

38.  To  him  who  alone  doth  great  Wonders  1 42 

39.  But  the  greatelt  of  thefc  is  Charity  143 
40*  Unto  him  be  Glory  in  the  Church  144 

41.  I  will  weep  bitterly      -      -      -  14; 

42.  Men  ought  always  to  pray  •  146 
43 1  Rejoice  not  againft  me       -         g  ib. 

44.  What  is  your  Life        -         •  147 

45.  How  (hall  we  efcape       -       •  148 

46.  We  walk  by  Faith       -      -       *  149 

47.  A  prudent  Man  foreteeth  the  Evil  ib* 

48.  With  the  Mind  I  ferve  the  Law  of  God  150 

49.  The  glorious  Gofpel  of  Chrift  151 

50.  They  de fire  a  better  Country      -  *5* 

51.  I  will  rejoice  in  the  Lord      -      -  153 

52.  What  think  ye  of  Chrift      -      -  ib, 

53.  Watch  thou  in  all  things  *  -  154 
54*  That  I  may  caufe  thofe  that  love  me,  &c.  155 
5  j.  Good  News  156 

56,  Being  juftified  by  his  Grace    .  m-  157 

57.  Chrift  who  is  our  Life  -  -  15S 
$  8.  Great  Wonder  in  Heaven      *      *  159 


Abftain  from  flethiy  Lulls,  &c. 
Give,  give     -  - 


160 


t  iit  CONTENTS. 


6 1.  Ye  received  the  Word  of  God      -  i6i 

62.  When  wilt  thou  comfort  me      -  162 

63.  Yet  always  rejoicing         -         -  163 

64.  Who  comforteth  us  in  all  our  Tribulation  164 

65.  Having  a  defire  to  depart  &  be  with  Chrift  ib. 

66.  That  the  powerofChrift  may  reft  upon  me  i6y 

67.  Draw  near  with  a  true  Heart  166 

68.  But  I  obtained  Mercy       -         -  167 

69.  Refrefhed  by  thee,  Brother       -  168 

70.  Cleave  unto  the  Lord         *         «  169 

71.  The  fentence  of  Death  in  ourfelves  170 

72.  She  (hall  not  find  her  Paths         -  ib, 

73.  Happy  is  he        -                      -  171 

74.  Seek  thofe  Things  which  are  above  172 

75.  Poffeffing  all  Things         -         -  173 

76.  They  are  Men  wondered  at      -  174 

77.  Seek  them  not         -         -  175 

78.  I  was  in  the  Spirit  on  the  Lord's  Day  176 

79.  That  I  may  win  Chrift      -      -  177 

80.  A  juftMan  falleth  feven  times,  &c.  178 

81.  What  I  do,  thou  knoweft  not  now  ib. 
82*  There  is  no  Enchantment  againft  Jacob  179 

83.  That  Chrift  may  dwell  in  your  Hearts  180 

84.  Grow  in  Grace  181 

85.  Ye  cannot  do  the  things  that  ye  would  182 

86.  Againft  fpiritua!  Wickednefs  183 

87.  Ephraim  compaflfeth  me  about  with  lies  ibi 

88.  Unto  you,  G  Men  !  I  call  184 
89*  As  many  as  I  love,  I  rebuke         -  185 

90.  Honour  the  King       -       -       -  186 

91.  There  is  no  Power  but  of  God  -  187 
Q2.  A  marvellous  Thing                -  ib. 

93.  He  will  fave         -         -  188 

94.  The  Glory  and  Praife  of  God       -  189 

95.  The  Word  of  the  Lord  was  precious  190 

96.  All  are  of  the  Duft  191 

97.  We  alfo  joy  in  God      *      -      -  192 

98.  Thou  canft  not  bear  them  which  are  evil  193 

99.  Ye  (hall  find  Reft  for  your  Souls  194 

16  Texts *  which  are  at  the  latter  part  of  the  Botik% 
are  here  omitted* 


EVANGELIC  POETRY. 


PART  I. 


Abfalom's  Rebellion  applied  to  the  Chi- 
ra&er  and  Dcftruftion  of  the  Enemies  of 
thrift. 


Sect.  i.    His  Con/piracy.    2  Sam.  xvJ 

In  David's  heart  paternal  paffions  reign'd, 
For  AbfaJcrn,  by  banifhrnent  detain'd  ; 
The  filial,  exile  did  with  joy  embrace, 
And  made  him  (h?re  an  irjur'd  Father's  £raee» 
But  lo  !  the  wretch,  thus  by  his  father  lov'd, 
Unto  his  royal  parent  traitor  prov'd  ; 
The  Lord's  anointed  labours  to  dethrone, 
On  the  King's  ruin'd  ftate  to  raife  his  own; 
He  firft  entices  with  his  fpeeches  fair  5 
By  kind  addrefe*  the  people  did  infnare  ; 
Wifhes  that  he  might  fill  the  judge's  feat, 
Prcre£r.  their  caufe  who  there  for  jufiice  waif.: 
Strange  !  how  his  heart  deceives  him  by  his  pride  ) 
A  righteous  judge  found  in  a  paracide  ; 
A  judge's  place  thinks  he  could  well  fupply, 
As  fan,  and  fuhje<a,  juftice  dare  deny. 
Thus  men  hate  duty  in  their  proper  place, 
And  think  they  might  feme  noble  office  grace; 
If  God  on  them  feme  other  work  would  lay, 
f  hey  cheerfully  his  precepts  would  obey. 
This  fporious  prince  dare  hide  his  villany, 
IJader  the  fpecious  vail  of  fan&ify. 

*  if* 


m       EVANGELIC  POETRT; 


He  tells  his  pious,  royal  father,  how 

He,  when  an  exile,  unto  God  did  vow;. 

"  If  he  from  baniihment  (hall  fet  me  free* 

I  wiih  hh  people  will  his  fervant  be, 

And  now  to  Hebron,  I  muft  fcon  repair, 

To  pay  my  vow,  and  ferve  Jehovah  there  ;  / 

"Who  hath  me  from  a  heathen  land  reform'd,  " 

Unto  this  land  where  his  great  name's  ador'd.**' 

The  treacherous  fon,  the  fathers  favour  gain'd* 

To  a£l  the  pious  part  which  he  had  feign'd ; 

He  Heaven's  colours  here  difplays  to  view* 

An  hellifli  fcheme  the  better  to  purfue  \ 

fie  faid,  and  went',  and  fcnbn  it  did  appear, 

Neither  for  vow,  or  father,  did  he  care ; 

But  foon  declares  his  bafe,  his  vile  defign* 

And  forms' the  people  in  rebellious  line. 

He  had  before  by  fmeot*h>  deceitful  arts, 

Gain'd  on  his  fide,  a  group  of  treacherous  heart!* 

By  fulfome  words,  and  airy  charms  impreft, 

Refpeft  to  all  true  loyalty  had  loft. 

Thefe  by  the  filial  rival  now  are  rui'd, 

By  him  a?e  fiauei'd,  and  by  him  befool'd  ; 

In  pride,  he  now  brave&  danger  and  difgrace* 

And  calls  their  aid  to  take  his  father**  place, 

That  when  the  trump's  triumphant  found  theyhear* 

They  his  ufurping  honour  then  declare  \ 

Say,  %%  Ahfalom,  the  fon,  in  triumph  reigns, 

And  by  hh  own.  his  father's  honour  ftains  % 

Let  Ifrael  to  my  honour  now  proclaim* 

How  royal  and  paternal  right  became, 

To  my  ambitious  plan,  an  eafy  prey  \ 

Let  fdf  be  great,  though  realms  and  kings  decay  $ 

Self-love  affefts  this  feif-exalting  ftrain, 

AH  glory  but  its  own,  to  blaft  and  ftaia  i 

David's,  great  antitype,  in  glory  high, 

Proud  men  defpife,  and  praife  to  him  deny  j 

And  flight  the  King,  celeftial  glory  crowns, 

Immortal  glory  which  all  Heaven  owns  ; 

Selt-lcve,  with  Chrift,  a  rival  dare  appear, 

Eor  all  that  praife  which  he  by  right  doth  (hare: 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  ft 


Sect.  if.    David fleetb  from  Jtrufahmt 

So  ftrong,  fo  bold,  is  this  confpiracy, 
The  royal  holt  muft  now  from  danger  flee ; 
Not  Zion's  hill  could  fafety  then  afford, 
Put  dill  'twas  fafe  to  (ruft  in  Zion's  God  ; 
Weepingjthey  went,  for  mournful  was  their  cafc^ 
The  King  muft  flee  before  the  monfter'a  face; 
The  plain  is  veiled  in  a  mournful  hood, 
^nd  men  upright,  expos'd  to  fcenes  of  blood. 
The  men  who  dare  efpoufe  the  injurM  caufe, 
And  a£fc  in  favour  of  God's  righteous  laws^ 
On  what  enfues  muft  bravely  venture  all, 
Rcfolv'd  with  the  juft  caufe  to  rife  or  fall* 
Ah  !  muft  the  facred  caufe  of  David  bleed  ? 
Kflufta  vile  rebel  on  the  throne  fucceed  ? 
The  Lord's  anointed  no  protection  have, 
Which  may  retrieve  from  the  devouring  grave.' 
Will  God  permit  his  friends  no  more  to  fee 
Their  King  maintain  his  royal  dignity  ? 
J&ay  fweet  melodious  fongs  no  more  proclaim, 
The  people's  fafety*  and  their  ibvereign's  fame  f 
Perfidious  foes  are  furious  to  maintain, 
The  honour  of  the  proud  ufurper's  reign  ; 
Can  this  be  thought  a  caufe  which  Heaven  owns. 
Which  finks  the  hopes  of  Zion's  faithful  fons  i 
No  I  David's  fervants  need  not  be  afraid  ; 
The  crown  can't  perifli  from  their  Prince's  head  $ 
The  right  by  which  he  reigns  is  too  divine, 
To  be  the  fport  of  vile,  ambitious  men. 
Succefs  awaits  thofe  who  are  David's  friends  ; 
Their  tean,  and  pains,  in  joyful  triumph  endi^ 
Let  them  be  faithful  on  their  matter's  fide, 
And  (how  that  zeal  which  is  by  mod  deny'd  ; 
If  David's  weeping  friends  may  thus  be  braveV 
And  hope,  when  dangers  rife,  that  God  will  favc$ 
How  may  celeftiai  hopes  fill  every  bread, 
Which  with  the  love  of  Jelus  is  poffbft  ? 
When  gloomy  ftades  furround  rhern  in  their  way, 
5M*en  feeming  fruads  the  caufe  of  Chrift  betray. 

A&d 


II       EVANGELIC  POETR i , 


And  (how  the  world  they  do  profess  in  V3taf  " 
Tis  not  this  world,  but  Jefus  they  difdain, 
In  grief  the  friends  of  Chrili  may  weep  to  fz*9 
The  flaves  of  fm  rcfolv'd  for  raifery  ; 
Oppofe  the  folly  of  thofe  harden'd  fools, 
Who  bring  damnation  on  their  guiky  fouls, 
Thole  who  in  Heavenly  glory  have  del ighr, 
Mourn  any  ihould  joy  in  fuch  glory  flighty 
Yet  their  calm  fouls  ej>joy  a  quiet  reii, 
To  think  that  Jefus  lives  forever  bleft  ; 
And  that  hid  caufe,  no  injury  can  fuiiain, 
By  thofe  who  foes  unto  his  grace  remain. 
The  prornifes  that  Chnit  (hall  reign  a:  King, 
True  comfort  to  hi?  drooping  faints  will  bring  ; 
While  Chriit  on  high  anointed  Sovereign  dwells^ 
And  while  his  word  fuch  glory  of  him  tells  5 
While  angels  on  his  Heavenly  orders  Hand, 
And  feenss  below  unfold  at  his  command  ; 
While  works  of  friends  and  foes  directed  are, 
To  ihow,  hie  kingdom  (lands  both  ftroag  arid  fair  | 
Saints  in  good  hope  with  him  may  truft  their  al!| 
And  feek  a  kingdom -which  can  never  fall ; 
Kven  that  kingdom,  founded  in  the  bloody 
Of  the  once  fliia  but  nou  afcended  God. 


Sect.  hi.    David9 s  Submiffion. 

X3  AVIDjWith  thofe  furrcundbgdangerspreft? 
Calmly  refign'd  un'o  God's  will,  doth  reft  5 
He  on  the  ark  bellows  religious  eare  ; 
The  honour  of  hia  God  to  him  was  dear  ; 
The  ark  he  fends  un:o  improper*  place, 
And  leaves  the  iiTie  to  Gobi's  power  and  grace  ; 
Almighty  power  he  knows  could  him  fuitain, 
And  place  him  on  the  rightful  ihrone  again; 
If  fuch  a  favour  may  to  him  be  fhown, 
God's  gracious  hand  he  thankfully  will  own  5 
But  if  the  righteous  Lord  of  all  will  take 
%im  from  the  uitom*  and  wholly  him  forfake, 


EVANGELIC  POETRYc  i$ 


And  let  his  power  be  trodden  to  the  duft  $ 

God's  will  be  owns  to  be  intirely  juft. 
Thus  pious  fouls,  G:>d'8  holy  hand  adore, 
When  they  are  cr  u(h'd  by  the  oppreflbr's  power  j 
They  fee  his  hand  in  all  the  grief  they  feel, 
And  learn  fob  niirnn  to  his  holy  will 
They  own  he's  gooi, when  he  their  wants TupplieH, 
They  o     he's  good  when  favour  he  denies  ; 
That  God  who  gives,  and  takes,  is  (till  the  fame. 
And  they  who  love  him,  love  to  blefa  his  name  ; 
When  God  wih  floods  of  grief  his  people  tries, 
God's  will  be  done,  the  hu  mble  fufferer  crie*. 
Inure  fubmiffioa  to  God's  holy  will, 
Did  in  the  humble  heart  of  Jefid*  dwell* 
Wtttf*  life,  in  human  nature,  did  rsfign, 
Though  he  in  perfon  was  the  Ion  divine. 

 ';.*y: :  •jniiii-i  ^.  

Sect.  iv.    Sbimei  curfeth  David* 

SlilMEI  with  cruel  malice  not?  did  taunt 
The  mourning  King— the  meek  and  royal  faint; 
Render  hie  character  in  (hocking  hue, 
A  bloody  regicide  he  points  to  vie  w  % 
f1  He  who  by  cruel  meafuree  gain'd  the  throng 
Is  juftly  by  his  rival  fon  caft  down. 
The  kingdom  now  is  in  a  broken  (tale* 
Becaufc  that  Dayid  fili'd  a  royal  feat ; 
And  noihing  will  reltore  to  peace  again, 
Till  bloody  David  and  his  men  are  flain. 
Thus  proud,  malicious  men,  will  dare  apply 
Goi's  providence  in  a  mistaken  way, 
Nor  will  events  of  wonderous  fcenes  abide, 
To  fee  ho w  God  will  in  the  end  decide  ; 
Men  ralhly  jadge  that  thus  God  in dicates, 
Who  are  the  men  he  loves,  and  who  he  hates ; 
Thefe  fcenes  are  not  by  Providence  defign'd* 
To  tell  us  who  will  endlef,  plc&fure  find  5 
Meekly  did  David  this  contempt  receive, 
And  fpar'd  the  wretch's  life  who  did  it  give, 


H      EVANGELIC  POETRY, 


And  leaves  the  ftroke  to  God's  avenging  hand, 
To  pay  the  vengeance  juftice  may  demand  ; 
God  by  this  man  doth  unto  me  make  known, 
His  righteous  hand,  which  I  mud  humbly  own} 
The  hand  on  which  all  human  aEis  depend. 
And  guides  each  a&ion  to  its  proper  end  ; 
An  end  oppos'd  in  this  vile  fanner's  heart. 
Whom  he  thus  bids  to  a£f  this  wicked  part?* 
A£ls  are  as  natural  neither  good  or  bad. 
But  as  they  are  by  aElors  qualified  ; 
The  quality,  is  as  the  heart's  inclin'd, 
Or  elfe  as  moral  aBs  can  be  defined  ; 
God  a£ls  by  wicked  men,  as  is  his  will  5 
In  what  they  a£t  they  willingly  rebel  ; 
When  wicked  men  arofe  and  fought  the  blood 
Of  him  who  was  in  truth  the  fon  of  God, 
They  wore  the  fword  of  God  which  then  awokep 
To  give  the  dreidful  unrelenting  ftroke  ; 
Thus  God  his  purpofe  by  thofe  men  fulfil'd, 
What  by  the  prophets  he  before  reveal*  d ; 
And  in  his  wifdom  by  his  works  made  known, 
His  fon  through  fufFering  gain'd  a  glorious  crown*" 


Sect.  v.  Ahithophel's  Apoftacy  Overthrow} 

Th  '  afpiring  Prince  drew  numbers  on  his  fidef 
Congruous  to  his  plan  fet  forth  by  pride  ; 
Ahithophel,  a  counfellor  of  fame, 
Adopts  this  wicked  and  new  fangled  fcheme  \ 
Abandons  David  to  a  fcene  of  woe, 
And  joins  to  work  his  fatal  overthrow 
David  with  him  religious  hours  had  fpent, 
When  with  accord  unto  God's  houfe  they  went* 
And  feem'd  to  join  with  marks  of  friendfliip  dear, 
To  ferve  the  Lord  with  mutual  hearts  fincere. 
The  folemn  ties  of  moft  endearing  love, 
To  this  fei^n'd  faint  like  Samfon's  cords  did  prove| 
Temptation  fir'd  ambitious  thoughts  of  fame; 
He  leaves  religion  to  fupport  his  name  ; 

Employs 


EVANGELIC  POETRY*  sj 

Employs  his  crafty  wifdom  to  contrive, 

How  a  rebellious  caufe  may  rife  and  thrive. 

So  falfe  are  friends  when  we  theirfriendftup  reed, 

They  for  this  world  will  leave  Chrift's  caufe  to 

When  David  doth  in  fad  prophetic  ftrain,  [bleed  \ 

Accufe,  and  of  his  counfellor  complain, 

He  doth  the  crime  and  punifiiment  behold, 

Of  him  by  whom  the  Lord  of  life  was  fold ; 

God's  wifdom  makes  the^ rage  of  wicked  men 

Apply  to  execute  his  glorious  plan, 

And  by  their  finful  meafures  will  confound 

The  caufe  they  wifti  to  fee  with  triumph  crown'd; 

His  and  his  people's  caufe  he  well  defends, 

Though  men  forfake  it  who  did  feem  its  friends. 

When  David's  counfellor  had  from  him  fled, 

To  whom,  as  one  divine,  refpeft  was  paid, 

The  injur'd  King  upon  his  God  relies, 

To  Waft  the  plan  of  one  who  feem'd  fo  wife  ; 

God  makes  the  wifdom  of  the  man  abhor'd, 

By  thofe  whofe  vicious  caufe  he  did  regard  ; 

His  fancied  glory  vaniihes  in  fhame, 

And  hates  his  life,  when  he  had  left  his  fame, 

And  vents  the  rage  that  pain'd  his  troubled  breait, 

On  life  felf-loath'd  to  ties  of  friend&ip  loft  ; — 

So  men  who  flight  the  caufe  of  David's  Lordf 

And  feek  in  worldly  kingdoms  their  reward, 

Shall  have  the  plagues  that  do  thofe  pow'rs  await. 

Which  feek  by  worldly  grandeur  to  be  great. 

Kingdoms  iet  up  by  earthly  pompf  {hall  fall, 

For  Chrift  is  King  who  claims  a  right  to  all. 

The  Jewifli  King,  upon  whofe  royal  head, 

God  gave  command  the  holy  oil  to  (hed, 

Was  but  a  type  of  God's  anointed  fon, 

Who,  to  be  King,  was  of  the  virgin  born, 

And  died,  and  rofc,  and  lives  exalted  high, 

To  rule  below,  and  reign  above  the  iky  \ 

His  offices  are  all  divinely  great, 

As  mediator  he  appears  complete ; 

Him  God  ordain'd— men  rauft  to  him  fubmit, 

Or  elfe  be  trodden  dowa  beneath  kig  feet  \ 


*6      EVANGELIC  POETRY. 


Titles,  and  pomp,  snd  wealih,  will  fooh  dccajr^ 
From  thofe  who  now  the  gcfpel  difebdy. 


Sect*  vi.    David  give  Lb  charge  of  AlfaUm^ 
who  is  fiatn  hy  Jo  ah. 

Go  forth  .brave  general, to  th*  important  poft  5 
Review  the  frccpr.,  and  lead  the  martial  boft  : 
■Go *fight  your  Maker's  and  your  fovereign's  caufej 
Keik  ve  your  country,  and  (exure  the  laws  ; 
<3o  chafe  rhe  rebels  from  the  mountain*?  fide  ; 
Reftrain  their  fury,  and  chaftife  their  price 
But  when  the  fcenes  of  the  Aufpicioua  day, 
Shall  pake  my  ion,  and  Ifrael'e  hoft,  your  prey, 
To  Abfalcm  let  pity  vthen  be  fhown, 
£jrulh  the  cor,  fpira  tors,  and  fave  my  fon. 
Unwarrily  from  virtue's  path  he  ftraya, 
Dazzled  with  honour,  and  fedue'd  ^  iih  praife ; 
Empire's  ddudwg  charms  the  youth  fniflead, 
By  crafty  counfei  wretchedly  Betra^'d, 
.Perhaps  he  may  be  wilting  to'fubmir, 
And  o&n  his  folly  a?  his  father's  feet ; 
He  then  may  fee  the  fruit  of  faclioua  times, 
Abhor  his  errors,  and  abjure  hie  crimes. 

0  could  your  conquering  arm  but  once  refiors 
This  darling  fon  unto  his  father's  po^er  ! 

1  the  neglected  harp  *rou!d  ftiing  agrain, 
And  fpe-ak  yqr.r  valour  in  exalted  ft  rain. 
He  faidj  and  to  the  fidd  the  captains  go, 
la  rages  aed  pity  to  engage  the  foe, 

By  Ephraim'a  wood  embattled  parties  wait; 
While  confeicus  guilt  forebodes  impending  fate; 
The  royal  hoft  foon  makes  the  crrren  good, 
Hod  drive  the  reb$l$  thro'  the  neighbouring. wood. 
The  fi^ord  and  wood  did  twenty  thousand  flay, 
Like  fcatter'd  leaves  the  conquered  legions  lay; 
The  vanquifliM  Prince  no  longer  trufts  to  might, 
E«{  fegkc  in  y&ia  to  m :e  him&lf  by  flight ; 

ArA 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  *™"xj 


And  through  the  branches  of  a  fpreading  oak, 
His  warlike  mule  with  frighted  courage  ftruck. 
The  warlike  bough*  arreft  t rider's  hair, 
And  hold  the  yourh  fufpended  in  the  air. 
Thofe  comely  locks  which  on  his  fhoulders  hung* 
The  plealing  theme  of  the  fair  virgin's  Cong, 
Shall  now  no  more  employ  the  ladies  breath, 
But  hold  the  rebel  in  the  arm 3  of  death. 
Thus  fickle  beauty  glories  for  a  while. 
To  fliow  her  charms  and  on  her  votarifts  fmile  ; 
But  foon  thofe  charms  her  lovers  will  betray, 
Their  hopes  mud  fink,  and  fee  her  bloom  decay* 
One,  in  the  royal  hod,  faw  thi3  event, 
And  flies  with  tidings  to  the  General's  tent: 
Joab  in  hade  did  take  the  fatal  dart, 
And  pierced  through  the  dying  hero's  heart  ; 
The  joyful  trumpet  founds  for  victory  won, 
And  Ifrael's  troops  unro  thefr  tents  return. 
The  man  who  war  with  David  dare  proclaim, 
Is  dead,  and  all  his  honour  turn'd  to  fhame  ; 
Though  fancy's  dreams  had  plac'd  him  very  high* 
Jlis  vifionary  hopes*  do  with  him  die. 
Let  all  the  foe*  of  David's  glorious  Lord, 
Who  hate  his  glory  {Inning  in  his  word, 
Learh  to  be  wile,  and  know  he  is  a  King, 
Who  all  his  foea  will  to  dedruftion  bring* 
Thofe  who  deny  his  facred  righr  to  reien^ 
By  his  command  before  him  rauft  be  flaih  $ 
Not  one  of  all  his  enemies  can  flee, 
Or  (hun  his  hand,  which  will  uplifted  be  ; 
Be  lifted  up,  with  glorious  power  divinc, 
To  crufh  his  foes  who  dare  againft  him  join  ; 
Sent  from  triumphant  glory  of  his  power, 
Their  endlefs,  growing  torments  will  endure. 


J  OAB  commands,  and  valiant  Cufhi  goes, 
bear  the  tidings  of  the ■  vanquiih'd  foes ; 


Sect.  vir.  David's  Lamentation: 


C 


II       EVANGELIC  POETRf; 


The  General's  orders  he  obey3in  hafte, 
Soon  o'er  the  plain  the  willing  carrier  pafi: ; 
The  penfhe  Monarch  on  the  watcb-tow'r  fat* 
Willing  to  kno^v,  bin  fearful  of  the  fate; 
Contending  patfions  in  his  bofom  roll, 
But  love  {till  keeps  the  empire  of  his  foul. 
As  Cuihi  enters,  cries  th*  indulgent  King, 
**  How  fares  my  fon  ?  what  tidings  do  you  bring  ? 
How  ends  ihe  fcene  of  this  unnatural  flrife  ? 
la  my  fon  fpar'd,  or  has  he  loft  his  life  ?" 
Cu&i,  arnaz'd,  with  ftaenmering  dread  replies, 
<fAs  is  the  youthj  fo  be  thine  enemies ; 
The  rebels  meet  with  his  untimely  fate  ; 
Then  David  (hall  be  fafe,  and  Ifrael  great." 
The  Monarch's  grief  did  foon  a  gloom  difplay* 
To  Chade  the  triumph  of  the  joyful  day. 
The  royal  fubje&s  faw,  to  their  furprife, 
The  for  row  of  their  King,  with  weeping  eyes. 
The  mourning  King  into  his  chamber  went, 
To  mourn  his  fin,  and  give  his  paffion  vent. 
What  deep  contrition  on  his  vifage  hung  1 
What   melting  words  drcpt  from  his  humbl® 
tongue  \ 

**  Unhappy  youth  f  in  bloom  of  life  cut  down  I 
My  Abfalcm  is  from  my  bofom  torn  ! 
My  fon  a  rebel,  &nd  my  fin  the  caufe 
Why  he  dar'd  trample  on  fueh  facred  laws  I 
I  feel  the  'pangs  of  grief,  when  I  furvey 
The  (hocking  pifture  of  the  difmal  day, 
When  my  mandate  did  good  Uriah  fend, 
Into  a  fcene*  which  his  dear  life  did  end  : 
My  faithtul  fubje£t  tlien  a  vittim  made, 
To  rile  &kflfh$9  inhumanly  betray'd  : 
Nor  the  remoter!  thought  of  my  intent 
Pofieft  -his  h^artj  when  bravely  forth  he  went, 
To  fight  that  famous  battle  of  the  Lord, 
By  me  expos'd  to  she  devouring  fword  ; 
When  I,  to  pleafe  die  lleih,  and  hide  niyclhame* 
Suik  m  the  &ades  of  dea&  hb  rifing  fame  ; 


Nor 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  19 


Nor  did  allow  his  loyalty  to  (hare 

The  triumph  which  that  battle  did  declare. 

I  now  do  feel  the  Prophet's  fclemn  doom, 

That  on  my  houfe  the  fword  (hould  furely  come* 

The  fad  prophetic  tidings  Nathan  told, 

IVIy  complicated  trials  do  unfold. 

O  Abfalom  !  my  fon  !  I  could  reGgn 

My  a?ed  blood,  might  it  but  ranfem  thine. 

Had  God  feen  fit  to  guide  the  fatal  dart, 

To  mifs  the  fon,  and  pierce  the  father's  hearty 

My  hoary  locks  had  (miled  on  the  grave, 

This  filial  rebel  from  its  jaws  to  fave." 

In  David's  pity  we  may  darkly  trace, 
A  (hadow  of  the  great  Mefllah'a  grace  ; 
Free  grace  made  known  to  Adam'*}  guilty  fons^ 
In  fcenes  of  grief,  and  blood,  and  dying  groans?' 
In  other  a£ta,  the  mufe  date  not  purfue, 
That  in  the  type  which  Jefus  brings  to  view  £ 
David,  for  fins  which  he  in  perfon  did,  . 
Saw  he  muft  die,  if  on  him  they  were  laid  ; 
But  Chriit,  by  fin,  did  ne'er  receive  a  {lain. 
When  he,  for  fin,  was  willing  to  be  fiain. 
David  was  fad  on  that  triumphant  day, 
Which  did  his  viftory  o'er  his  foes  difplay  5 
But  Jefus,  in  the  triumph  which  he  wears, 
With  his  pure  joy  can  never  mingle  tears : 
He,  David's  Lord,  is  now  in  joy  complete  ; 
Blefiings,  and  glories,  all  do  in  him  meet  5 
Hia  merits,  which  thofe  blefiings  do  fecurej 
Do  make  the  blefiingc  of  his  people  fure  \ 
Becaufe  he  lives  exalted  on  his  throne, 
Eternal  life  will  all  his  chofea  crown : 
The  life  which  they  receive  by  faith,  ia  theirs^ 
Becaufe  in  Chrifl:  they  to  that  life  are  heirs. 
Hence  all  thofe  blefiings  myftically  known 
Uo  faints,  are  given  in  God's  blefTed  fon  ; 
Ashe  is  God,  heir  to  all  things  is  he  ; 
A8  Mediator,  grace  through  him  is  free  : 
Free  grace  alone  provides  the  faints  a  reft 
Chrifl  ia  himfdf,  and  thera  la  him  are  blefh 

1  */  sncT.viii* 


EVANGELIC  POETRY; 


•  Sect,  viii.  Conch/aw. 

I'F  Chriillefg  Tinners  to  dcflru£tion  go, 
'*ria  their  own  folly  works  their  overthrow.* 
Man  is  invi'ed  to  immortal  blifs  ; 
Eternal  life  in  Chrift  he  may  poiTefs  , 
Furniih'd  with  power,  with  which  he  may  be  w2£f, 
With  which  he  can  rhe  greateii  good  defpife $ 
By  wifclorn,  he  may  his  own  actions  guide  %  • 
Or  wifdom  hfe  can  proudly  lay  dide. 
Has  the  Creator  po  a/'r  on  him  beitow'd, 
Humbly  to  lo^e,  and  feek  the  gre&telt  good  I 
Shall  God  be  blani'd,  who  has  created  man 
With  noble  powers,  which  he  employs  in  fin  I 
Should  God,  to  man,  free  confcious  po  wer  deny^ 
No  pra^.fe  or  blame  will  to  his  Itate  apply  -9 
But  pafliVe,  iifelefs  matter,  may  as  well 
Reafon  improve,  or  its  efforts  expel. 
Man  ic  important  \  for  he  may  be  wife$ 
In  making  fure  of.  an  important  prise  % 
Which  to  neg!e£V,  lis  but  to  difallow 
He- is  important,  but  for  endlefa  woe. 
Wretched  is  man  in  what  he  doth  embrace ; 
"Fond' of  the  ruin  which  in  him  takes  place  $ 
While,  to  be  happy  in  the  God  of  lo?e, 
Mercy  invites  him,  from  her  feat  above ; 
On  kind  perfuafions  in  the  Saviour's  call, 
He  pours  contempt  as  of  no' worth  at  all. 
To  him,  his  chofen  meafures  fatal  are  5 
His  wifh'd-for  blifs,  is  nothing  but  defpair  ; 
The  good 'he  hates  can  only  make  hirn  bleft  §  - 
Without  ir,  is  no  foul-inviting  reft  : 
As  well  may  man  complain  that  he  was  made^j 
As  that  his  homage  to  his  Lord  be  paid  y  ' 
Vain  h  his  plea  to  urge  .his  right  to  fin, 
Becaufe  his  heart  refoived  is  therein  5 
His  heart,  'difpo&'d  the  bleffcd.  God  to  hate, 
Proves  plain  enough  his  fad  and  vicious  ftate. 
If  man  is  thus,  then  juflice  on  God's  part 
Eteaci  woe  to  aan*  \rho  has  £  wicked  heart  \ 


EVANGELIC  POETRY/  ai 


Qf  has^hty  man,  good  reafon  to  complain  ; 
For  in  hi3  heart,  concempt  of  God  doth  reign. 
A  character  more  vile,  man  cannot  fhow, 
Than  this,  his  heart  to  Jefus  will  not  bow: 
Can  God  be  wrong,  in  doing  what  is  right  ? 
In  his  own' glory  rrtv/  he  nor  delight  ? 
May  he  not  iho.wf  it  in  his  works  made  known, 
Though  man,  for  hating  him,  mud  be  undone  I 
Undone  !  yes  ;  they  their  guilry  felves  undo  ; 
Cornp^fs  the  ends  they  wickedly  purfue  ; 
Their  own  ways  feed  them  with  the  bitter  gall  ; 
Their  wickednefs  procures  their  dreadful  fall, 
God  tells  the  wicked  they  muft  damned  be, 
Unlefs  by  faith  they  will  to  Jefu3  flee  : 
The  word  is  fare— they  may  on  it  depend  — 
They  have  fair  warning  of  their  dreadful  end  \ 
God's  high  decree  againft  thern  does  proteft, 
That  unbelievers  ihall  not  fee  his  reft  1 


%%      EVANGELIC  POETRY* 


PART  II. 


SOLOMON'S  SONGS. 


The  Songs,  which  of  Jcfus  do  tell* 
In  paftoral  language  of  love. 

Give  beauty,  which  never  will  fail ; 
And  life,  to  the  foal  they  will  prov$» 

Song  i,    The  Love  of  the  Spoufel 

May  embraces,  from  Jefus  above, 
Be  granted  to  comfort  my  foul  * 

My  joys  do  all  lpring  from  the  love 
Which  in  his  dear  bofom  doth  roll* 

His  name,  with  his  glory  replete, 
Diffufeth  the  choiceft  perfume  % 

His  graces,  like  ointments  moft  fwects 
Are  precious  wherever  they  come. 

Dear  faints,  who  receive  his  free  grace. 
His  beauty  and  charms  do  admire  -9 

LThey  pant  for  the  fmilcs  cf  his  face  t 
His  prefence  they  greatly  defire. 

May  he,  by  endearing  conftratnts, 
Engage  me  in  raptures  fublime; 

I'll  run  for  the  prize  which  he  grants  \ 
To  heavenly  faith  will  I  climb. 

So  kind  are  his  vifits  of  love, 

He  grants  me  his  chambers  of  grace  • 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  $3 


I'm  glad,  and  with  pleafure  approve 
The  brightnefs  his  glory  difplays  : 

His  love  I  can  never  forget; 

It  quickens  and  pleafes  me  well  j 
His  fervants,  who  with  him  unite, 

His  love  in  fweet  accents  can  tell.' 

My  blacknefs,  by  fin,  I  do  own ; 

By  grace,  I  am  comely  and  fair, 
Like  curtains  of  David*s  wife  fon; 

Tho*  with  Kedar  I  well  may  compare? 

But  look  not  upon  me  with  frowns, 
As  fmitten  with  fun-beams  of  day; 

In  anger  mine  own  mother's  fons 

From  my  vineyard  have  cali'd  me  away. 

My  Shepherd,  the  joy  of  my  foul, 

By  thee  may  I  fafeiy  be  led, 
To  reft  in  the  (hades  of  thy  told  ; 

With  thy  faints  may  I  daily  be  fed. 

Christ. 

MY  fair  One,  the  way  that  you  feek, 
Is  the  way  which  the  faithful  purfue- 

Go  forth  in  the  fteps  which  they  take, 
Then  joy  which  they  find  is  for  you. 

When  cloth'd  with  my  graces,  you  wait, 

Attentive  my  orders  to  hear, 
To  the  grandeur  of  Pharaoh  in  ftate, 

My  loving  kind  Spoufe  I  compare. 

Like  jewels,  my  grace  doth  adorn 
My  lovers,  who  with  it  do  fliine ; 

Witk 


€4      EVANGELIC  POETRY/ 


LWith  chains,  for  bright  ornaments  worn$ 
Stands  array'd  this  fair  One  of  mine* 

Thy  borders  in  peace  fhall  appear, 
In  beauty  and  worth  to  excel ; 

Like  bafes,  my  arm  iliall  be  near, 

Tofupport  where  my  chofen  do  dwell. 

Church, 

MY  King  at  his  table  doth  fhine, 
And  around  his  glory  doth  fpread  $ 

His  graces,  in  this  heart  of  mine, 
Their  heavenly  flavours  do  (bed. 

As  the  myrrh  which  drops  from  the  tree* 
My  beloved  his  love  doth  difplay  | 

His  vTits  are  fo  dear  to  me, 
I  wifti  he  forever  would  (lay, 

rAs  clufters  the  vineyard  perfumes, 
So  Jefus9  his  Church,  with  his  grace  5 

It  is  joy,  wherever  he  comes  ; 
He  is  the  fweet  fountain  of  peace. 

He  looks  on  his  Church,  and  will  prize 
What  in  her  is  comely  and  fair; 

He  fpcaks  of  her  watchful  dove's  eyes, 
Employ'd  in  his  fervice  with  care. 

]When  fhe  fpeaks,  her  beloved  appears, 
The  joy  and  the  food  of  her  heart, 

And  faintly,  but  boldly  declares, 
.What  fweetnefs  his  love  doth  impart; 


Like 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  25 

Like  cedar,  her  beams  will  abide; 

Her  beauty  and  ftrength  are  well  known  ; 
With  tempefts,  (he  oft  has  been  try'd ; 

But  never  has  been  overthrown. 


Song  ii.    Chrift,  in  his  Grace,  the  Delight  of 
the  true  Church. 

THE  fair  rofe  of  Sharon  appears  ; 

Such. beauties  in  Jefus  do  dwell  5 
His  grace,  with  the  humble,  compares 

With  lilies  which  grow  in  the  vale. 

As  lilies,  where  thorns  do  abound. 
With  lingular  beauty  do  fhine  ; 

So  Jefus  hath  gracioufly  crown'd 
His  Church  with  his  graces  divine. 

To  his  (hade  with  joy  I  retire, 

From  the  fun  ;  'tis  a  welcome  retreat  & 
His  fruit  I  do  greatly  admire ; 

He  feeds  me  with  fpiritual  meat. 

He  brought  me,  with  joy,  to  the  place, 
Where,  feafting,  a  banquet  I  had  ; 

Like  a  King,  with  the  bounties  of  grace, 
His  manner  of  love  he  difplay'd. 

With  wine,  and  with  fruit,  from  his  board* 
Now  may  I  be  richly  lupply'd  ; 

Such  comfort  he  brings  in  his  word, 
Vcn  fick  of  all  lovers  befide. 

His  hands  do  fupport  and  embrace, 
Or  dfe  I  through  weaknefs  muft  die; 

D  I  find 


26       EVANGELIC  POETRY* 


I  find  that  'tis  nought  but  his  grace 
My  weaknefs  and  wanes  can  fupplyj 

By  the  hinds,  and  the  foon-f righted  roes, 
Ye  tempters,  I  charge  you  forbear, 

tTo  injure  the  happy  repofe, 
I  find  in  the  Saviour  mcft  dear. 

His  voice  and  his  goings  I  know  ; 

O'er  mountains  and  hills  doth  he  fkip; 
To  fcatter  his  bleffings  below, 

From  Heaven  to  earth  did  he  leap. 

His  going  through  death  we  may  trace, 
Then  f  ifing,  he  mounts  his  high  throne; 

His  prcgrefs  fhows  wonders  of  ^race, 
And  mountains  of  fins  are  caft  down." 

He's  gone,  like  the  fwift  bounding  roe ; 

Concealed,  as  an  objedt  of  fenfe; 
Yet  faith,  as  through  windows,  can  view 

The  glory  his  grace  doth  difpenfe. 

He  fpeaks  to  his  Church,  in  his  word, 
Of  the  caufe  he  has  to  maintain  ; 

He  calls  her  from  wand'rings  abroad, 
Tofing,  for  her  Saviour  doch  reign. 

His  kingdom,  on  earth,  doth  appear 
Like  fun- beams  when  winter  is  paft ; 

The  flowers  now  fiourifli  moft  fair,  [blaft. 
Where  the  winds  and  the  tempefts  did 

Like  the  buds  cn  the  boughs  of  free  grace, 
Babes  lifp  out  the  breathings  of  love; 


'Tis 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  27 


*Tis  pleafant  to  hz  in  the  place 
Where  we  hear  the  f*eet  voice  of  the  dovej 

His  Word,  like  the  tree,  and  the  vine, 
Yield  fruits  which  do  heal  and  do  cheery 

His  voice  to  his  bride  is  divine, 

When  he  calls  her,  his  grace  to  declare.- 

He  calls  her  from  caves,  and  from  dens, 

Where  (hides  of  the  night  were  long 
And  opens  enlightening  fcenes,  [known, 
That  theCharch, wsj5cGintiles,will  own, 
He  pronounces  her  voice  to  be  fweet, 

When  his  kingdom  &  grace  are  her  theme* 
In  her  face  do  his  own  beauties  meet, 
Which  the  world  will  never  efteem. 

He  warns  againft  thofe  who  are  foes, 
By  craft  on  the  vines  they  would  cread  £ 

The  gofpePs  true  light  they  oppofe, 
And  errors  rnoft  fatal  do  fpread. 

The  Church  will  rejoice  in  her  Lord* 
His  gofpel  and  intereft  fhe  owns* 

He  gives  her  the  light  of  his  word, 
As  lilies  the  valley  adorns. 

f Till  the  beams  of  his  glory  Oiail  rife,' 
She  wifh*s  and  looks  for  chs  day, 

TThat  he  would  rermve  from  her  eyes, 
The  mount  of  diviQon  away. 


Song  mi, 


28      EVANGELIC  POETRY. 


Song  hi.    The  Church's  deftres  fir  Chrijt, 
and  her  views  of  his  Grace. 

By  night  my  beloved  I  fought, 

To  excite  and  maintain  a  fweet  frame  | 

But  in  feeking,  I  found  him  not. 

With  his  prefence  my  heart  to  inflame  i 

Then  rifing,  the  ftreets  I  explore, 
'Till  I  my  beloved  might  meet  ; 

The  inquiry  I  could  not  give  o'er. 
His  vifits  of  love  are  fo  fweet. 

The  watchmen  who  walk  in  the  night, 
My  walking  and  care  did  efpy* 

I  inquired  for  my  foul's  chief  delight, 
11  Have  you  feen  my  beloved,"  faid  I. 

Beyond  what  the  watchmen  could  tell, 
My  willies  did  urge  me  to  go; 

And  I  fcarcely  did  bid  them  farewell. 
When  I  found  him  I  longed  for  fo, 

I  held  him  with  joy  and  with  care, 
Refolv'd  not  to  part  with  him  now  ; 

'Till  in  Zion  we  both  might  appear, 
Where  breath  of  his  love  I  fi;ft  drew. 

By  the  hinds^  and  the  focnf righted  roi$x 
Te  tempters^  I  charge  you  forbear , 

To  injure  the  happy  repoft^ 

I  find  in  the  Saviour  mojl  dear. 

ils  columns  of  fmoke  do  arife. 

He  from  this  vilt  dcfarf  withdrew* 

With 


EVANGELIC  POETRY, 


With  incenfe  furmounting  the  fkies, 
He  pleads  for  his  people  below. 

The  Church  in  affe&ion  afcends, 
Where  Chrift  her  beloved  is  gone; 

She  mingles  in  heart  with  his  friends. 
Who  worfhip  and  praife  near  his  throne; 

His  reft,  and  his  train,  Jet  us  view; 

In  peace  and  in  glory  he  reigns ; 
Qur  fpiritual  Solomon  now, 

Is  rejoicing  in  fruit  of  his  pains. 

His  guards,  all  expert  in  hiscaufe, 
Stand  bold  in  a  militant  date  ; 

And  nobly  contend  for  his  laws, 
When  danger  appears  in  the  night. 

Majeftic,  on  high,  is  his  throne ; 

His  kingdom  unfhaken  abides; 
His  decree,  thro9  the  earth  is  made  known  ; 

In  reft,  in  his  chariot  he  rides. 

His  glory  is  feen  all  around, 

His  chariot  he  wifely  doth  move ; 

With  beauty  and  ftrengthis  it  crown'd, 
And  'tis  pav'd  with  a  pavement  of  love. 

Ye  lovers  of  Jefus,  come  fee, 

The  joyful  and  fair  crowned  King  ; 

Great  fplendorto  his  majeftyi 
His  Church,  his  efpoufed,  will  bring. 


Song  iv. 


P       EVANGELIC  POETRY. 

S  q  n  c  iv.  Chriffi  vi:  w  of  the  Church' s  Bcauiyl 

My  fpoufe,  it  is  love  I  admire, 

That  grace  which  enlightens  the  mind, 

And  renders  thee  harmleis  and  fair, 
In  loyalty,  watchful  and  kind. 

Thy  teeth,  like  a  flock  which  is  Ihorn, 
And  marching,  is  fruitful  and  clean  y 

So  faith,  the  true  Church  doth  adorn  j 
In  order  and  ftrensth  is  fhe  feen. 

Thy  fpeech  is  fo  feafpn'd  with  grace, 
Thy  lips  are  inviting  to  pleaie 

And  wifdom  doth  fhine  in  ;hy  face, 
And  fair  words  with  geed  fruit  agrees. 

Lo  !  thy  neck,  like  David's  frrong  tow5r, 
Defence  to  the  fetblc  imparts  ^ 

Faith  ads  on  the  ftrength  cf  my  pow'r, 
Which  eludes  the  tempter's  nrce  darts. 

The  truths  of  my  word  are  agreed, 

Liktreos  are  the  Church's  two  breaits, 

Souls  born  cf  the  fpiritua)  iced, 
Are  fed  with  the  choiceft  cf  feafts. 

'Till  the  morning  of  joy  (hail  Bfife, 
And  the  fhadows  of  time  are  all  fled, 

By  my  blood,  a  fwcet  faenfice, 

Thecaufc  of  my  fainrs  will  I  plead. 

My  fpoufe,  who  is  cloth'd  with  my  grace, 
So  fair  in  my  eyes  doth  appear, 

In  relation  to  my  righteotifoefs, 
No  blemifh  or  ftaic  doth  ihe  wear. 

My 


EVANGELIC  POETRY,  fi 


My  fifter,  with  me  may  your  eyes 

From  fcenes  on  my  footftool  be  drawn  * 

Look  and  long  for  that  paradife, 

Where  Jefus,  your  Saviour,  is  gone.' 

That  glory  engages  my  heart, 
In  which  you  defire  to  be  bled  ; 

From  that  glory  never  to  part, 

Is  your  life,  your  joy,  ard  your  reft*] 

That  love,  by  which  you  afpire 

To  the  joy  of  glory  divine, 
Is  what  I  do  greatly  admire, 

More  than  ointments,  fpices  and  winer 

Thy  lips,  like  honey,  dififufe 

The  fweetnefs  that  flaws  from  my  grace; 
Thatgrace,  which  thy  garment  bedews, 

Doth  favour  of  Heavenly  peace. 

A  garden  enclosed  all  around, 

Is  the  Church,  and  her  fafety  is  fure  1 
As  a  fpring  in  the  defart  is  found, 

Isfhe  walled  and  fcaled  fecure: 

Like  trees  of  fweet  fpices,  (he  ftands; 

Where  God  his  rich  blefiing  beftowsi 
She's  planted  and  kept  by  1ms  hands, 

By  his  care  Ihe  blofibms  and  grows*: 

Here  trees  of  all  kinds  may  be  feen, 
For  health  and  for  beauty  they  cheer ; 

Saints,  with  their  ripe  fruits,  &  with  green, 
In  vineyards  of  ChriH  do  appear. 


The 


3 1      EVANGELIC  POETRY. 


The  Spirit,  the  fountain  of  grace, 
With  living,  free  waters  of  love, 

Sends  gently  bii  ftreams  round  the  place; 
Where  Chriftians  fo  fruifcul  do  prove. 

May  the  Spirit  awake  and  defcend, 
Th&t  the  garden  may  fruitful  appear ; 

That  Chrift,  the  Beloved,  may  find 
What  he  owns  to  be  pleafant  and  fair.' 


Song  v.    Cbrifi  /peaks,  and  the  Church  ad* 
mires  him, 

C/HRIST  gives.the  Spoufe  this  kind  re- 
"  I  come,  at  your  requeft  ;         [ply  :* 

That  grace  which  doth  thee  beautify, 
Gives  me  a  fweet  repaft. 

Come  tafte  the  fweet nefs  of  my  love, 

Drink  largely  of  my  grace 
By  ftreams  of  mercy  from  above, 

My  friends  in  me  have  place/' 

The  Church  cries  out,  My  heart  regards 

The  voice  of  my  Belov'd  : 
He  knocked,  and  call'd  in  melting  words, 

His  lips  with  kindnefs  mov'd : 

V  My  love,  to  me  admittance  give  5 
The  pure  are  my  delight  5 

Detained 

*  Here  is  a  reply  to  the  Church's  prayer  in  the 
former  chapter  :  as  the  Old  Teftament  has  been 
divided  into  chapters  but  about  four  centuries,  w« 
may  fee  the  reafon  of  this  divifion. 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  33 

Detained  from  thee,  my  locks  receive 
The  drops  and  dews  of  night.** 

My  coat  which  I  have  put  away, 

I  svill  not  take  again  ; 
Pve  walh'd  my  feet,  and  how  can  they 

From  me  receive  a  ftain  f 
When  my  Beloved  put  his  hand 

Unto  the  parting  door, 
He  did  my  warmelt  love  command, 

I  felt  his  word  with  pow'r. 

Then  I  arofe  unto  my  love, 

To  favour  his  requeft  ; 
Myrrh,  dropping  (torn  my  hand,  did  prove 

He  was  a  welcome  gueft. 

The  lock  1  turn'd,  and  he  was  gone ; 

He  fp  k?,  and  I  did  fail  5 
1  fought,  I  cal/ti  for  his  return; 

My  call  did  not  prevail. 

The  watchman  found  me  in  the  way, 
As  thry  d?d  walk  the  rounds  ; 

I  to  their  4irok  s  become  a  prey, 
They  gave  to  me  frefn  wounds. 

The  men  who  kept  the  wall,  did  take 

The  Jtwifh  veil  away, 
That  I  by  faith  might  Jcfus  feek, 

In  lighc  of  Gofpel  day. 

Pause. 

Daughters  of  Zion,  if  ye  find 
Jtfah  whSm  I  approve, 


34       EVANGELIC  POETRY* 


;Tcll  how  I  languifti  in  my  mind, 
And  long  to  taftc  his  love. 

.Why  are  the  charms  of  Chrift  fo  dear  ? 

Blind*  foolifh  worldlings  fay ; 
■What  beauties  in  him  do  appear, 

To  draw  your  heart  away  ? 

Beauties,  both  human  and  divine, 

Sweetly  in  him  unite; 
I  fee  in  his  dear  perfon  ftiine 

A  mixture*  red  and  white; 

Red,  with  his  precious  crimlon  blood* 
And  white,  fronk  blemifli  Free; 

Of  thofe  who  ftand  before  our  God, 
None  can  atone  but  he. 

His  head  is  like  the  mod  fine  gold, 

He  perfedt  is  in  light ; 
We  on  his  temples  may  behold 

A  crown  of  glory  bright. 

His  eyes  difplay  majeftic  love; 

Where  ftreams  of  grace  do  roll ; 
He  (hows  the  meeknefs  of  the  dove, 

Through  windows  of  his  foul. 

His  cheek  a  fweetnefs  doth  impart, 

Which  truly  is  divine  ; 
His  lips,  adorn'd  with  facred  art, 

With  heav'nly  luftre  fhine. 

His  hands,  the  work  of  grace,  do  fhow 
Brighter  than  diamonds  are  % 


Such 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  35 

Such  love  from  his  pure  heart  doth  flow, 

With  it  no  gems  compare. 
His  legs,  like  marble  pillars  (land, 

To  tread  the  wicked  down ; 
Now  on  his  throne,  at  God's  right  hand, 

His  majefty  is  known. 
His  mouth  doth  precious  truth  declare  * 

He  fpeaks  of  life  and  peace; 
Yea,  Lebanon,  with  cedars  fair, 

But  ftiadow'd  out  his  grace. 

All-glorious  love,  is  my  dear  Lord  $ 

The  love  he  brings  to  view 
[Would  by  all  natioris\be  ador'd. 

If  they  his  glory  knew. 


Song  vi.    The  Beauty  of  the  Church,  by 
ChriJFs  vijits. 

WHEN  I  my  thoughts  of  Jefus  tell, 

And  of  his  beauties  fpeak, 
Strangers  would  know  where  he  doth  dwell. 

That  they  his  face  may  feek. 

In  his  dear  word,  his  ways  we  trace, 
Which  in  his  Church  appear  $ 

Her  favour  is  like  beds  of  fpice3 
Her  love  like  lilies  fair. 

I  am  my  Lord's,  as  his  juft  right, 

And  he  is  wholly  mine ; 
[With  humble  hearts,  is  his  delight, 

[Where  grace  like  lilies  fhine. 

Christ. 


36      EVANGELIC  POETRY. 
Christ. 

AS  Tirza,  thou  art  fair?  my  love, 

Like  Salem's  peaceful  rtft ; 
Or  like  an  hoft^  when  banners  niove. 

Thy  terrors ^are  expreft. 

Though  by  thine  eyes  I  have  been  drawn 

To  earthly  lcenes  below, 
Now  faith  muft  view  me  on  my  throne, 

Where  I  my  glory  (how. 

The  gofpel  truth,  to  you  made  known, 
W iil  make  your  faith  appear 

Like  ftieep  when  from  the  wafhing  gones 
And  none  are  barren  there. 

With  blofibms  of  immortal  fruir, 
Grace  doth  thy  temples  crown  % 

Plants  growing  on  an  heavenly  root. 
Shall  flauriih  in  renown. 

As  queens  in. pomp  compofe  a  train, 
Wuh  thofe  of  meaner  qirtte^ 

So,  various  gifts  the  Church  contain. 
All  fcrve  to  fpread  her  fame. 

My  Church  is  by  my  Spirit  one, 

The  only  one  to  me  ; 
Not  any  who  cf  fklh  are  born, 

With  her  compared  may  be. 

The  daughters  did  her  charms  behold. 
And  then  proncuncM  her  bleft  *, 

And  different  ranks  her  praifes  told, 
And  thus  their  thoughts  expreft  : 

"  O  how 


EVANGELIC  POETRY. 


€*  O  how  (he  fliines  !   As  morning  Iighc 
Drives  darknefs  from  the  fky ; 

Or  as  an  hoft,  with  banners  bright, 
Make  yanquifh'd  armies  fly.*' 

Church. 

I  to  the  garden  did  retire, 

Where  heav'nly  graces  grow, 
To  fee  what  growing  vines  appear, 

Which  buds  and  bloflcms  (how. 

Before  I  was  aware,  he  made 
My  foul  like  chariots  move; 

Y^ith  heav'nly  rapture  was  I  fir'd, 
As  willing  fouls  do  love. 

A  voice  did  cry,  "  Return,  return, 

U nt6  thy  wonted  place"; 
Thou  child  of  peace,  let  now  be  fhown 

Thy  perfeft,  comely  face. 

In  thee,  a  double  hoft  appears, 

The  Gentile,  and  the  Jew; 
The  Church,  as  one,  her  peace- robe  wears, 

In  forms  both  old  and  new." 


Song  yn.    Love  revealed  in  Chrijl,  and  ap^ 
plied  to  the  Church. 

THE  Church  is  comely,  as  fhe  goes, 
Shod  with  the  word  of  peace ; 

Beauty  and  art  her  joints  compofe; 
From  ChriU  is  all  her  grace. 

She's 


£8      EVANGELIC  POETRY. 

She's  like  a  cup  with  beauty  crown'd* 

With  inward  joy  replete-, 
As  lilies  heaps  of  wheat  furround, 

Her  fruit  is  fair,  and  fweet. 

God's  holy  word  doth  truth  proclaim* 
By  which  the  faints  do  grow  ; 

LThey  do  thofe  facred  bre^fts  tfteem, 
From  whence  their  food  doth  flow; 

Faith  like  a  tow-f  doth-well  adorn 
The  neck,  and  eyei  complete, 

A  Saviour  in  the  word  is  known. 
Which  is  divinely  fweet. 

vThe  Church,  inftru&ed  from  on  high^ 
Is  with  true  knowledge  crown'd ; 

Her  glorious  King  is  to  her  nigh, 
In  the  fweet  Gofpe^s  found. 

Both  fair  and  pleafent  is  the  fcene, 
Where  holy  love  doth  fway  $ 

The  joy  of  grace,  both  fair  and  green; 
Shall  never  fade  away. 

The  Church  ftull  like  a  palm- tree  fljmd, 

Tho5  ftorms  do  her  pervade  -9 
Her  trials  have  an  happy  end  \ 

She  need  not  be  afraid. 
Her  King  his  prefence  will  afford, 

When  fhe's  with  grief  oppreft 
And  promifes,  found  in  his  word, 

Jhrough  faith  will  give  her  reft; 


His 


EVANGELIC  POETRY, 


His  word  like  the  bed  wine  doth  prove, 
Which  chears  his  children  well  5 

It  makes  the  deeper**  lips  to  move, 
And  gofpel  wonders  tell. 

Sweetly  the  faints  by  faith  afpire, 

To  their  beloved  Lord, 
They  find  they  have  his  heart's  defire,' 

In  his  inviting  word. 

They  tafte  true  comfort  in  his  love, 

Known  in  his  voice  below, 
But  glory  in  their  Chrifl:  above, 

Will  greatcft  joy  beftow. 

The  Church  with  Chrifl:  the  vines  explore,; 

To  find  what  he  approves ; 
And  entertain  him  at  his  (lore, 

And  gives  the  fruit  he  loves.1 

Within  the  gates  of  paradife, 

Where  glory  fhines  around. 
Saints,  new  and  old,  their  fongs  will  raife, 

To  Chrift,  with  glory  crown'd. 


Song  viii.  The  Love  of  the  Church  to  Chrift^ 
as  revealed  in  the  GoJpeL 

The  gofpel  hath  reveaPd  that  grace, 

Which  faints  defied  to  fee, 
As  in  a  glafs,  Chrift  (hows  his  face, 

One  near  at -kin  is  h?. 

To  all  who  do  his  father's  will, 
He  is  a  brother  kind  $ 

He 


4P       EVANGELIC  POETRY; 


He  in  his  mother's  houfe  doth  dwell, 
To  cheer  the  drooping  mind. 

The  faints  find  fweet  inftru&ion  there, 
When  he  doth  them  embrace  • 

Thofe  fruits,  and  w-n^s,  (he  doth  prepare, 
Are  bounties  of  his  g  ace. 

She  is  fupportcd  by  his  hands, 
His  ftrength  is  all  her  theme  5 

And  his  dear  love,  by  which  Ihe  (lands* 
She  highly  doth  etietm, 

Thofe  tempters  which  would  her  entice, 

She  charges  to  be  gone ; 
That  nothing  may  difturb  thofe  joys, 

She  finds  in  Chrift  alone. 

The  Church  doth  from  the  defart  rife, 
From  forrows  and  from  fins  % 

To  Heaven  Jhe  turns  her  longing  eyes, 
And  on  her  Jefus  leans. 

He  takes  her  from  the  wretched  place, 

Where  men  are  born  to  die  ; 
And  well  prepares  her  by  his  grace, 

To  live  with  him  on  high, 

O  !  fet  me  as  a  fea!*  fhe  cries, 

Upon  thy  very  heart ; 
O  feal  thy  love  with  ftrongeftties  ! 

That  we  may  never  part. 

For  death  cannot  thy  love  out-brave* 
Thou  wilt  its  joys  difclcfe* 


And 


EVANGELIC  POETRY:  M 


And  o'er  the  all  devouring  grave, 
Thy  flaming  triumph  glows. 

Thofe  flames,  thcfe  bright  and*  heavenly 
The  waters  cannot  drown  ;  [flames, 

By  fi  e  the  Lord  his  love  proclaims, 
And  burns  his  tootftool  down. 

Should  all  the  wealth  th!s  world  can  giv£,' 

Then  offei'd  be  for  love, 
Such  gifts  would  juft  contempt  receive, 

From  our  dear  Lord  above. 

Pause. 

Wf  in  the  promifes  do  fee* 

A  little  lifter  dear, 
That  fouls  to  Chrift  fhall  gathered  be^ 

Where  fhadts  of  death  appear. 

What  for  this  After  fhall  be  done  ? 

For  now  (he  has  no  breads  $ 
How  can  the  Lord  this  iifter.  own 

Among  his  cholen  guefts  ? 

Should  (he  a  (lately  wail  appear^ 
v    Built  up  by  hands  divine  % 
A  tow'r  on  her  we  foor.  would  rear, 
That  (he  by  faith  might  fliine. 

Though  (li  %  as  doors  when  opened  wide* 

To  thievts  txpo$*d  may  be; 
The  Saviour  will  for  her  provide* 

And  her  from  danger  free. 


F 


He 


il       EVANGELIC  PGETR^ 

H?  law  me  like  a  wall,  and  round 
My  breafts  like  tow\s  did  rife  ; 

As  one  who  his  kind  favour  found^ 
Then  was  I  in  his  eyes. 

The  Church  he  I  ke  a  vineyard  owns§ 
And  pours  down  blefiings  there ; 

And  gave  his  plants,  his  chofen  ones^ 
Unto  the  keeper's  care. 

The  Church  within  his  fight  (hall  live^ 
And  great  (hall  be  his  praife  ; 

The  ktepers  of  the  fruit  (hail  have 
Rewards  in  his  free  grace. 

O  thou  who  with  thy  faints  doft  dwell  % 

Wno  thy  companions  are! 
Thy  cheering  voice  doth  pleafe  them  well* 

Thy  voice,  Lord,  let  me  hear. 

Come,  my  Beloved,  come  in  hafte, 

Be  like  a  youthful  roe ; 
O  may  the  time  be  q  iickly  paft, 

Which  keeps  me  here  below. 


An  Hymn  on  Canticles  i.  7. 

JVIy  heavenly  ftiepherd*  whom  I  love& 
With  all  my  heart,  and  mind, 

Whofe  prefence  I  efteem  above, 
All  joy  which  here  I  find, 

Teach  me,  O  thou  my  fkilful  gun 
To  find  the  welcome  place, 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  4$ 


'  Where  thou  doft  with  thy  flock  a^ide, 
By  v  fi/.s  of  thy  grace. 

Where  (hail  I  find  that  quiet  reft. 
To  which  ihy  faints  repair, 

Jn  hours  ofr  fadnefs  and  diftrefs, 
And  fiad  fweet  comfort  there  ? 

[Whv  lbould  I  wrong  my  Saviour  fo; 

Wh  >  is  my  d^elt  friend, 
Tha-  i  fli  ;uld  treat  him  as  thofe  do 

Who  h ace  his  fwtet command  jt 

Why  fliould  I  relifh  vain  delight. 
Since  I  have  found  fuch  joy 

}c\  heavenly  things  beyond  my  fight^ 
Which  death  cannot  deftroy  ? 

Why  (hould  I  fink  my  mind  fo  low*1 
Which  once  could  (bar  on  high, 

!|Vs  to  purfue  what  can't,  I  know. 
My  longing  foul  fupply  l4 


PART  IIL 


^4      EVANGELIC  POETRY/ 


PART  III. 


Glorious  PEACE  in  CHRIST'S  medu- 

TOR  1 AL  Gc¥ERNMENT. 


Isaiah  ii.  2,  5. 

jEHOVAH's  mount,  in  latter  dayss 
jkiis  facred  houfe  cf  joy  will  raife, 
Above  the  hills  exalted  high, 
And  ftrike  and  pleafe  the  wondering  eye. 

The  glory  which  it  then  will  fhows 
Will  make  the  nations  to  it  flow, 
With  willing  minds  as  one  they  meet^ 
To  bovK  at  the  Mtffiah's  feet. 

Up  to  the  holy  mount,  they  fay, 
To  Jacob's  God  we'll  go  and  pray  \ 
In  ways  of  truth  he  will  us  lead, 
From.  Z  oo  will  the  law  proceed 0 

'Among  the  nations  will  he  fit, 
h%  Judge  to  punifh  or  acquit  -9 
No  rage  difturb  his  peaceful  reign. 
Nor  (cents  of  war  be  known  again. 

The  fwords  and  fpears  be  laid  a  fide, 
E  figns  of  fierce,  ambitious  pride, 
And  men,  vam  men,  no  more  predate^ 
Pi  trended  glory  in  their  fliame. 

Pause* 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  4$ 


Pause. 

May  all  who  love  the  Lord,  draw  near8 
And  ia  che  paths  of  peace  appear, 
With  mucual  hearts  in  friendftiip  join, 
To  walk  in  ways  of  truth  divine. 

The  great  M  ffiah,  high' in  power, 
K-eps  all  earth's  magazines  in  (lore  ; 
He  can  give  bleffings  from  above, 
And  rule  the  hearts  of  men  by  love.1 

At  his  command  contentions  ceafe, 
And  jarring  kingdoms  bleft  with  peace  ; 
The  fiords  are  boken,  bows  unftrung, 
And  nations  make  his  grace  their  fong. 

He  can  fend  down  all  needed  aid, 
When  men  of  blood  our  peace  invade  j 
Q"  if  they  rage  without  control, 
Hi  fweetens  the  imbitter'd  bowl. 

Uilefs  we  learn  his  peaceful  way,' 
We  in  the  midit  of  light  lhali  ftray  j 
Darknefs  unknown  will  veil  our  fight,1 
Or  gathering  clouds,  and  gloomy  night; 


Isaiah  ix.' 

THOSE  who  in  darknefs  long  did  roam* 

Now  fee  a  wond'rous  lighr, 
Where  fhades  of  death  had  fpread  a  gloom; 

The- welcome  day  flione  bright. 


Though 


$6      EVANGELIC  POETRY* 


LThough  nations  multiplied  are, 

Their  joys  will  not  increafe, 
•Till  heavenly  bltffings  they  do  fhare* 

In  dews  of  quick'ojng  grace. 

Now  j*)y  doth  like  an  harveft  rife, 
In  fruits  of  grace  made  known  j 

No  vifto%  who  divides  the  pri^e,1 
Can  lhate  fo  bright  a  crown. 

Oppreifion  lhall  no  more  maintain 

The  fons  of  mirth  and  pride, 
As  Midlands  cruel  hoft  was  flain^ 

Shall  tyranny  fubfide* 

Though  rage  and  warriors  thro*  the  workl^ 

May  wide  confufion  fpread, 
In  reeking  blood  are  garments  roll'd 

Among  the  thoufands  dead. 

LYet  the  decifive  ftroke  at  laft, 
Which  Will  God's  people  tree, 

By  all  devouring  fire  will  blaft. 
His  fees  fiftfi  fuel  be. 

Pause, 

For  lo  !  the  Saviour  to  us  fent; 

Is  God's  beloved  Son, 
[Who  has  the  right  of  government, 

Though  of  a  virgin  born. 

His  name  doth  facred  wonders  (how; 

His  counfels  are  divine  j 
The  mighty  God  doth  dwell  below, 

And  with  our  natures  join. 

Though 


fev angelic  poetry  \f 

Though  he  in  perfon  Is  the  Son, 

To  (how  his  Fathers  grace. 
As  Mediator  there  is  bora 

To  him  a  numerous  race. 

The  Prince  of  peace,  with  glory  crownM,' 

Is  truly  Lord  of  all , 
His  empire  takes  creation  round* 

And  earth-born  kings  mutt  fall.1 

As  David's  throne  by  promife  flood,; 

So  David's  Son  and  Lord, 
Shall  have  alt  promifes  made  good* 

Found  in  God%  faithful  word. 

Saints  may  take  courage  then,  and  prayi 
When  earthly  kingdoms  (hake ; 

That  Chrift  would  make  the  world  obey, 
And  his  laws  freely  take. 


I$AlAH  XXX. 

jTrJE  wildernefs  fhall  joyful  be; 

In  the  Redeemer's  grace, 
When  fouls  the  gofpel  beams  fhall  fee 

In  every  defart  place. 

There,  bloffjrps  greatly  fhall  abound, 

Like  fragrant  rofes  fair, 
As  Lebanon^  with  bleffings  crown'd* 

Is  Ziorfs  glory  there  : 

And  fruit  like  Sharon's  field  fhall  grow 
3y  bkflings  from  our  God, 

And 


£P       EVANGELIC  POETRY; 

And  Camel's  top  his  praife  fhall  (how; 
And  glory  ail  abroad. 

The  hands  which  have  no  might,  fhall  fintf 

Help  in  God's  holy  arm; 
The  feeble  who  to  him  are  join'd, 

He  will  defend  from  harm. 

Say  unto  thofe  cf  fearful  heart, 

Be  ftronp,  and  do  not  fear  ; 
Behold  your  Gjd  will  take  your  part,1 

And  to  your  help  appear* 

Behold,  with  vengeance  will  he  come^ 
And  bring  proud  Tinners  down; 

Thofe  fcenes  which  will  h:s  fots  co^fume^ 
Will  make  falvation  known. 

The  rays  of  cheering  light  he'll  fhed 

On  eyes  of  finners,  blind; 
His  voice  fhall  by  the  deaf  be  heard, 

With  ears  to  him  incliu'd. 

Pause. 

Then  {hall  the  lame  leap  like  the  harr* 
Which  fpeedily  doth  bound  ; 

The  dumb,  as  though  thev  fpake  by  art, 
Their  Makers  praife  fliall  found. 

And  waters  (hall  in  plenty  flovr, 

The  defart  land  to  cheer ; 
As  ftreams  in  gentle  murmurs  go, 

Will  fprings  of  grace  appear. 

The 


EVANGELIC  POETRY. 


*rhe  parched  land  fhall  be  fupply'd, 
And  flourifh  like  the  mead  ; 

And  where  the  dragons  did  abide, 
Shall  grow  the  grafs  and  reed* 

The  way  of  holinefs,  (hall  be 
A  way  moil  clearly  fe&d  ; 

Though  noiie  the  light  of  it  will  fee; 
Bat  thole  whofe  hearts  are  clean. 

Thofe  who  like  lions  rage  and  roam, 
This  path  can  never  tread  ; 

But  all  who  to  the  Saviour  come, 
Shall  fafely  there  be  led. 

To  Zicn  they  fhall  come  with  fongs; 

And  joys  immortal  (hare  \ 
No  grief,  but  unmix'd  jay,  belongs 

To  all  who  enter  there. 


Isaiah  xlix    i?  12.  CkrijV s  IVorks glorious % 
and  Go/pel  Blejfings  to  the  Gentiles. 

O  may  the  mm  as  now  attends 

And  foreigners  abroad  • 
The  Father  his  dear  Son  doth  fend 
To  preach  the  truth  c£  God, 

M  I  to  my  Father's  work  am  calPd/* 

i  he  blefied  Saviour  cries* 
11  His  name  by  me  (hall  be  extoll'd, 

In  wondering  nations  eyes. 

My  mouth  (hall  heavenly  truth  proclaim, 
And  be  like  a  fharp  fword  ; 

G  I  fhall 


5o       EVANGELIC  POETRY? 

I  (hall  be  well  fecur'd  from  liarrn, 
.  Ah  in  the  hand  of  God. 

He  owns  roe  for  his  fervant  dear* 

In  him  I  fhaii  prevail  ; 
His  glory,  which  I  fliall  declare^ 

Is  fafe,  and  cannot  fail. 

Though  -  ftubborn  Jews  make  me  complaiftj 

When  over  them  I  mourn, 
tTo  fee  my  work  with  them  prove  vainj 

A  work  which  God  will  own. 

The  Father  to  me  doth  declare, 

Pm  glorious  in  his  eyes  ; 
Fie  to  my  help  h  furely  near; 

The  caufe  of  truth  fhaii  rile. 

Although  the  work,  but  fmall  is  feen 

Among  old  Jacob's  race, 
If  only  thofe  mult  be  brought  in, 

To  fing  redeeming  grace. 

But  lo  !  the  heathen  nations  rounds 

Shall  light  from  me  receive; 
Salvation  fh all  by  them  be  found  ; 

They  by  my  word  fhaii  live." 

Pause.  ^ 

Thus  faith  the  Lord,  the  Holy  One, 

Who  mighty  is  to  fave ; 
*4 Though  men  did  fcom  and  hate  my-Sooj 
And  brought  him  to  the  grave  ; 

Kings  fliall  his  facred  honours  fee, 
And  wonder  at  his  grace  ; 

Princes 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  5* 


Princes  his  worfliippers  {hall  be, 
And  b;m  before  his  face. 

For  in  a  moft  accepted  day* 

To  him  I  bow\i  mine  ear  ; 
When  from  the  grave  he  broke  his  way, 

la  anfwer  to  his  pray'r. 

He  leaves  the  cup,  and  takes  the  crown, 
The  earth  by  ^romife  ftand.% 

'Till  men  his  ri|giteou$  fceptre  own, 
Who  dwell  in  heathen  lands. 

Hs  to  the  prisoners  will  declare 

The  joyful  Jubilee, 
And  when  they  gofpel-freedorn  ftiare,1 

They  much  enlarged  fhail  be. 

Hunger  and  thirft  no  more  (hall  grieve 
Thofe  who  his  mercy  know  ; 

The  fun  to  fmite  no  pow'r  (hall  have, 
Where  fprings  of  waters  flow. 

Each  mount  (hall  be  the  mount  of  Godj 
Where  fouls  do  tafte  his  love; 

The  gofpel  fhows  a  pleafent  road, 
In  bltffings  from  above." 


2  Samuel,  xxiii.  2,  3,  4; 

THE  fpirit  of  the  Lord  did  move 
Good  David's  praifing  tongue, 

His  heart  infkm'd  with  holy  love. 
Of  the  Melfiah  fung. 


Ha 


p      EVANGELIC  POETRY. 

He  o'^r  the  fons  of  men  fhall  reign, 

Said  the  prophetic  bard, 
The  rights  of  juftice  he'll  maintain. 
In  the  pure  fsar  of  God. 

He  like  the  bleffings  of  the  morn 

Will  rays  of  light  extend, 
From  the  bright  iurtre  of  his  throne 

To  earth's  remote  ft  end. 

Fie  fhall  be  like  the  day  ferene, 
When  the  bright  fun  doth  rife, 

And  not  a  cloud  to  intervene 
The  joy  of  waiting  eyes. 

And  id  the  b!  (Tings  at  his  grace, 
L  ke  gr&is  fliall  fruit  appear, 

As  Ppiles  of  fpring  adorn  the  place. 
Where  fhpw'rs  di  (tilled  are. 

Like  tender  plants  will  fouls  receive 

The  joy  his  word' impart, 
The  peace  which  hf  to theft)  will  give. 

Will  grow,  and  cheer  their  hearts. 


Isaiah  lxi. 

THE  Son,  who  from  the  Father  tame* 

As  Mediator  to  proclaim  : 

*6  Like  oil,  the  Spirit  on  my  head, 

Fulnefs  of  grace  doth  on  rne  fpread  : 

I  come,  to  make  glad  tidings  known  ; 
The  meek*  my  word  will  gladly  own  \ 

In 


EVANGELIC  POETRY,  55 


In* me,  the  broken- hearted  find 

True  peace  to  raife  the  drooping  mind. 

The  captive?,  who,  in  fetters  bound, 
{■live  freedom  in  the  goipel  found  : 
The  year,  which  makes  the  prVners  free. 
Is  the  fwtet  gofpel's  Jubilee, 

Though  I  appear  in  vengeance  dreflr, 
I  come  to  make  the  mourners  bleft  $ 
No  more  ftiali  Zion's  mourners  fpread 
Afhes  on  the  declining  head. 

I  will  them  with  my  beauty  drefs, 
And  call  them  trees  of  right'oufnefs  5 
My  plants  fliall  flourifli  fair  and  green; 
In  them  my  glory  fhall  be  feen. 

Where  ruins  were  difplay'd  around, 
I  on  the  truth  my  Church  will  found  5 
Ye  fliall  repair  the  walls  at  laft, 
Which  were  for  many  ages  wafte. 

Strangers,  like  fhepherdf,  will  you  lead; 
And  itancS  my  choien  fl jck  to  feed  ; 
The  help  ot  heathen  fons  combines 
To  plough  your  fields,  and  drefs  your  vines.' 

I  will  take  fervice  at  your  hand, 
As  thofe  who  near  my  alt&r  ftand  ; 
When  Gentile  nations  hear  my  voice* 
You  in  their  glory  fliall  rejoice. 

You, then  fhall  double  honour  {hare, 
For  all  reproach  which  you  did  bear; 


N9 


54      EVANGELIC  POETRY, 

No  more  confufion  veils  your  face,  > 
Now  you  are  cloth'd  with  joy  and  peace; 

I  do  the  ways  of  judgment  love, 
And  robb'ry  I  cannot  approve  ; 
In  ways  of  truth  I  will  you  guide ; 
My  cov'nant  fnall  with  yoO  abide. 

Your  feed  (bail  be  to  Gentiles  known. 
As  a  pear  offspring  of  renown  ; 
When  I  my  bkfilngs  on  you  pour, 
Nations  lhail  wonder  and  adore. 

Now  I  will  in  Jehovah's  name, 
My  joy  in  his  high  praife  proclaim  j 
Cloth'd  with  falvat'ion  I  appear, 
And  robes  of  right'oufnefs  I  wear. 

Thofe  glorious  robes,  in  whicl^  I  ftiine, 
Are  heavenly  blcfiings  all  divine  *9 
As  I  am  like  a  bride- groom  dreft, 
I  with  my  grace  my  Church  have  bleft  s 

For  as  the  earth  doth  fruit  produce, 
When  vifiud  with  rain  and  dews  ; 
So  nations  lhall  in  graces  grow, 
[Where  blcfiings  by  the  gofpel  flow," 

Isaiah  lxii.  Zicn's  latter  Bays  Gkryl 

THE  glorious  work  I  undertake, 
Shall  never  ceafe  for  Zion's  fake, 
'Till  Ihefhines  with  my  graces  bright  5 
And  as  a  lamp,  difplays  her  light. 

Nations 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  5$ 


Nations  will  on  her  luftre  gaze, 
And  kings  (hail  fee  her  brighinefs  blaze ; 
The  Lord's  own  mouth  (hall  fpread  her 
And  blefs  her  with  another  r^me.  [fame, 

The  Lord  will  hold  her  as  his  crown  % 
In  royalty  fhe  fhali  be  known  5 
As  diadems  do  princes  grace, 
God  will  his  glory  in  her  place. 

No  more  foal!  it  be  told  abroad^ 
That  file's  forfaken  of  her  God  ; 
Her  deflations  now  are  paft, 
Her  land  no  longer  (hail  lie  wade;  , 

She  (hall  be  cail'd  the  Lbrd's  delight* 
Her  land  be  precious  in  his  f|ght  $ 
She  fiia!!  be  his  peculiar  care, 
Her  welfare  in  his  fight  is  dear.' 

Zion,  in  thee  thy  fons  will  rife, 
And  bind  their  fquls  with  ftrongeft  ties; 
To  ferve  thy  caufe  with  willing  mind, 
As  hands  which  are  in  wedlock  joia'd.1 

Thy  Saviour  God  will  joyful  be, 
To  (how  his  kind  refpe£ts  to  thee; 
The  grace  he  doth  on  thee  difpiay, 
Will  gladden  like  a  nuptial  day. 

Thofe  watchmen  on  thy  walls  he'll  place; 
Whofe  zeal  for  thee  (hall  never  ceafe; 
They  of  the  Lord  will  freely  fpeakf 
His  love  will  all  their  filence  break. 

'  To 


^       EVANGELIC  POETRY*1 


To  him  they'll  fend  their  humble  cries,' 
Unlefs  the  Lord  in  glory  rife, 
And  make  the  praife  of  Zlon  known, 
By  favours  from  his  gracious  throne. 

The  Lord  by  his  right  hand  doth  fwear, 
Thy  foes  no  more  fhall  make  thee  bare; 
Strangers  no  mare  thy  wine  (hall  take, 
Or  of  thy  labours  booties  make. 

Thy  fons  (hall. eat  and  praife  the  Lord, 
For  favours  which  he  doth  afford  •, 
They  in  his  holy  courts  (hall  tread, 
And  praifes  with  his  bounties  fpread. 

<4Go  thro*  the  gates,"  the  Lord  doth  fay  j 
"  Prepare  my  faints  a  pleafant  way  ; 
Make  their  high-way  both  plain  ard  clear, 
And  raife  for  them  a  ftandard  there." 

Behold,  the  great  and  fovereign  Lord, 
Doth  through  the  earth  proclaim  his  word, 
To  Zion's  daughters  now  declare, 
That  her  falvation  dra.weth  near. 

Behold,  her  great  and  glorious  King, 
Is  he  who  doth  falvation  bring-, 
His  work  is  with  his  glory  crown'd, 
And  in  his  hand  reward  is  found. 

Then  thofe  who  fpeak  of  Zion's  fame, 
The  holy  people  will  her  name; 
Redeemed  by  her  dear  Saviour's  blood, 
She's  confecratcd  to  her  God. 


Matthew 


EVANGELIC  POETRY,  57 


,  Matthew  vi.  10.    Thy  Kingdom  come. 

DEAR  Jefus*  eighty  pow'r  s 

Crufh  (atan's  kingdom  down  -9 

iDur  eyes  long  for  that  glouous  hour, 
By  viflts  from  thy  throne. 

O  may  the  welcome  perbd  come, 

When  honour  (hall  redound 
To  him  who  will  his  right  aflame* 

And  ail  his  foes  confound  ! 

That  Kingdom  which  the  Lord  doth  own, 

Shall  to  the  faints  be  giv'n  5 
His  word,  which  makes  his  prumife  known* 

Stands  in  the  Court  of  "Hcav'n. 

Joyous,  that  glorious  day  will  prove, 

To  foil' Vers  of  the  Lord  ; 
Their  hearts  are  warm  with  (acred  love  5 

They  truft  his  facred  word. 


PART  IV. 


CON  T  R  A  S  T  S. 

Sect.  i.    Hypccri/y  and  Duty  ccntrajied. 

Hypocrisy  and  Dutv  trace, 

Wnich  never  can  agree  \ 
Tha%  always  ft&ndi  oppoi'd  to  grace  % 

This,  takes  her  offers  free. 

H  Thar, 


53       EVANGELIC  POETRt^ 


.That,  fixes  on  a  legal  form, 

But  with  the  law  contends  ; 
This,  gives  to  grace  its  facrtd  claim£ 

And  yet  the  law  befriends. 

That,  makes  its  boaft  cf  duties  done. 
Though  all  its  ways  are  wrong  ; 

This,  refts  on  fovVeign  grace  alone, 
And  makes  Chrifi's  work  its  fong. 

Thar,  hates  thofe  ways  which  are  fincere^ 

And  builds  upon  deceit  $ 
This,  doth  in  hontfi:  truth  appear, 

And  faife  difguife  doth  hate. 

That,  treats  religion  like  a  flave, 

to  ferve  a  felfifti  turn  ; 
This,  doth  to  true  religion  live, 

And  ail  her  ways  adorn. 

That,  much  efteems  the  aftion  done* 
When  motives  are  not  right ; 

This,  will  not  a6ts  as  duty  own, 
Where  motives  wrong  have  weight^ 

That,  like  the  Pbarifee^  will  pray, 

And  boaft  of  noted  deeds  -9 
This,  on  kind  mercy  has  its  flay, 

And  mercy  humbly  pleads. 

Thar,  with  the  multitude  will  go, 
When  they  the  truth  oppofe  ; 

This,  has  the  law  of  Chrift  in  view; 
And  peace  with  him  purfues. 


Thai 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  5? 


That,,  treats  religion  as  a  whim, 
Which  bids  us  take  the  crofs  * 

This,  do%h  religion  fo  efteem, 
That  ail  things  elfe  are  drofs.1 

That,  founds  religion  in  the  name, 

The  great  religous  I ; 
This,  to  felf-praife  refigns  all  claim; 

On  free  grace  to  rely, 

That,  by  rti  labour  feeks  to  live, 

As  by  mechanic  tools ; 
This,  the  true  way  of  life  doth  crave,1 

As  living  bread  for  fouls. 

Tha?,  by  the  things  of  time  doth  fquare, 

The  daily  courfe  it  makes ; 
This,  views  things  which  eternal  are, 

In  ev'ry  path  it  takes. 

That,  blazes  with  a  party  zeal, 
And  urges  all  things  wrong  ; 

This,  love  to  all  the  faints  doth  feel, 
In  heart,  as  well  as  tongue. 

^Thaf,  claims  to  felf  the  higheft  place? 

Where  it  may  make  a  fhow ; 
This,  humble  in  the  views  of  grace, 

By  felf  will  nothing  know. 

That,  on  the  poor  will  caft  the  eye 

Of  criminal  difdain  ; 
This,  lays  its  own  felf-int'reft  by, 

to  feek  another's  gain. 

That 


6o      EVANGELIC  POETRY. 


Thar,  will  applaufe  on  thofe  befio^ 
F  ooi  whom  it  has  the  fame; 

This,  unto  others,  good  will  do, 
Who  flander  and  defame. 

Thar,  wiii  a  fham  religion  own, 
Which  goes  with  wind,  and  tide 5 

This,  ctls  by  faith  on  Chrift  alone,  ; 
And  dials  can  abide.  \ 

That,  glories  in  a  painted  hce0 

Though  all  dVfii'd  within  ; 
This,  glories  only  in  that  grace 

Which  frees  the  heart  from  fin; 

Thar,  when  it  doth  from  virtue  tttk% 
Cries  but,  46  My  Gil  is  fmall*"    '  I 

This,  hating  ev'ry  finful  way, 
No  fin  will  Huh  call. 

That,  will  falfe  charity  commend* 
When  felf  may  take  a  (hare  ; 

Thie,  is  true  charity's  beft  friend, 
Pieai'd  with  her  charms  mo  ft  fair. 

That,  will  again  ft  conten  tion  fpeak, 
With  bitter  words  of  ftrife 

This,  ways  of  holinefs  will  fetk, 
Ac  the  expenfe  of  life. 

Tha?,  will  of  hypocrites  complain, 
And  call  the  righteous  f6$ 

This,  true  religion  will  maintain, 
And  fruit  cf  grace  will  fhow. 


That 


EVANGELIC  POETRY:  6* 

Thar,  though  it  flatters  for  a  while, 
Will  fink  its  foil9 .vers  down  ; 

This,  free  from  all  deceit  and  guile, 
Leads  to  an  heavenly  crown. 


Sect.  ii.    A  Contrajt  between  Duty  and  Hy* 
pocrifi)  from  Isaiah  lviu. 

Ye  Ministers,  emp!oy9d  to  tell 
The  meaning  of  Jehovah's  will, 
Let  your  undaunted  lips  proclaim 
The  weighty  mtffage  in  his  name. 

With  holy  zeal,  and  courage  great, 
Till  ev'ry  tribe,  through  ev'ry  ftrett, 
And  let  the  finful  nation  hear 
How  vile  they  in  my  fight  appear. 

They  feem  delighted  in  my  ways  ; 
Their  lips  arc  forward  in  my  praife  ; 
They  dare  approach  my  holy  place, 
And  folemn  views  of  God  exprefs. 

They're  fond  to  treat  my  facred  word 
As  though  their  hearts  did  it  regard; 
And  do  pretend  to  feek  my  laws,. 
to  guide  them  in  a  righteous  caiife.j 

In  folemn  cant  thefe  wretches  fay, 
"  We  in  devotion  fpend  the  day  ; 
LiOrd,  we  in  fruirlefs  cries,  and  tears, 
D)  v/afte  the  painful  nighc  in  pray9rs." 

W  th  duft  and  allies  on  the  head, 
The  foul  by  failing  is  made  fad  -9 

Their 


6i      EVANGELIC  POETRY- 


Their  bodies  pine,  and  fpirits  faint, 
And  tongues  grow  weary  by  complaint; 

But  God,  with  penetrating  eyes, 
Sees  through  this  fair,  this  falfe  difguife  j 
Nor  can  fuch  villany  refptft, 
But  will  their  cries  and  tears  reje6t. 
Pause. 

"  Ye  faft,  ye  faft,"  th*  Almighty  fays, 
M  to  gain' your  own,  and  not  my  praife  | 
Yau  pleafe  ypurfelves  in  all  your  pain  %  " 
In  ftripes  and  falling  feek  your  gain.  * 

Is  this  the  folemn  faft  I  choofe, 
My  work  and  worfhip  thus  to  ufe, 
The  foul  a  fcene  of  anguifii  made, 
And  like  a  hull-rufh  bows  the  head  ? 

Is  this  the  penance  of  each  day  ? 
Is  it  for  this  ye  faft  and  pray  ? 
Dare  you,  your  Maker  feek  to  pkafe^ 
LWith  fuch  polluted  works  as  thefe  ? 

In  a£ts  of  love  let  fails  appear ; 
Make  your  own  flefh  your  tender  care  ; 
And  let  the  fulnefs  of  your  ftore 
Be  fpread  to  feed  and  clothe  the  poor/* 

Then  welcome  beams  of  morning  light, 
Shall  chafe  the  gloomy  (hades  of  night 
Your  health  in  fpeed  fhall  blefs  the  day, 
And  right'oufnefs  fhall  lead  the  way  : 

The  Lord,  your  right'oufnefs  and  guide, 
Be  your  defence  on  ev'ry  fide 

The 


EVANGELIC  POETRYi 


the  glory  which  in  him  is  found, 
Shall  grant  you  fafety  all  around. 

Pause. 

Then  you  may  humbly  feek  his  face, 
And  have  the  anfwer  of  his  grace  ; 
If  you  the  yoke  of  bondage  break, 
And  vanity,  nor  ad,  nor  fpeak  ; 

If  you  will  with  a  gen'rouS  hand, 
To  fons  of  want  your  food  extend  ; 
And  cheerfully  afford  relief, 
Where  poverty  mikes  fcenes  of  grief  i 

In  darknefs  then  will  light  arife, 
To  blefs  your  heart,  and  guide  your  eyes 
Like  noon  day  brightnefs  fliall  appear, 
The  light  which  you  may  largely  fhare. 

The  Lord  will  always  be  your  guide  $ 
You  by  his  grace  (hall  be  fupply'd  \ 
In  drought,  as  living  waters  flow, 
So  (hall  you  his  rich  favours  know. 

Pause. 

And  thofe  who  cf  you  fhall  be  born, 

The  ancient  ruins  {hail  adorn, 

And  many  agts  (hail  declare 

Your  fame,  by  works  which  they  repair; 

If  you  the  Sabbath  will  regard, 
As  confecrated  by  the  Lord, 
Who  rofe  to  be  in  glory  bleft, 
And  from  his  labours  now  dot-h  reft : 


If 


64       EVANGELIC  POETRt^ 


If  you  with  him  by  faith  unite, 
And  in  his  glorious  rrft  delight, 
And  on  the  firft,  the  faued  clav, 
Your  cheerful  homage  to  him  pay  : 

Then  you  in  him  true  joy  fhall  find, 
In  comforts  of  an  heavenly  mind  5 
And  in  the  prcmifes  be  ftd, 
By  Chrift  who  is  the  living  bread. 


PART  V. 


The  AngeFs  Addrefs  to  Cbrift  in  the  Garderil 
Like  xx.  43. 


J~I  \IL  !  glorious  Sun  !  thy  healing  ray 
Can  chafe  the  darknefs  of  the  night  ; 

Though  earthly  clouds  ob^ruft  thy  way, 
Soon  wilt  thou  fhine  with  brilliant  light : 

The  beams  of  thy  celeftial  love, 

The  fhades  of  darknefs  will  remove. 

Thy  friendly  light  will  nations  guide 

To  regions  of  eternal  day  ; 
Triumphing  angels  at  thy  fide, 

Shall  with  their  forxgs  thy  fame  difplay; 
Who,  (landing  round  the  faphire  throne, 
Sing  anthems  to  the  great  Three- One. 

When  from  domains  of  hell  profound, 
Thofe  horrid  mo^fters^  fin  and  death, 

Away 


EVANGELIC  POETRY,  65 


A  way  to  happy  Eden  found, 

And  man  imbib'd  rebellious  breath  j 
Contagion  fpread  to  every  flow'r, 
And  fwcets  of  Eveys  delicious  bowV; 

This  havock  rftov'd  thy  melting  eye, 
To  vieiv  the  (hocking  fcene  of  woe  ; 

A  world  in  guilt  now  doom'd  to  die, 
And  none  co  ward  the  dreadful  blow; 

Convulfive  earth,  wilh  pangs  and  groans* 

Yawning  to  take  her  trembling  fons. 

Pause* 

Leaded  with  guilt,  primgvous  pair 
Sent  forth  their  melting  cries  in  vain  % 

Explore  creation,  none  will  dare 
To  lead  them  back  to  blifs  again  % 

No  morning  ftar,  no  angel  pleads ; 

So  great  their  guilt,  none  intercedes  : 

'Till  thou  didft  hear  the  wretches  moan. 
And  did  the  Father's  love  proclaim  % 

And  from  the  great  Eternal  throne, 

Reveal'd  thai  grace  which  is  our  theme; 

The  morning  ftars,  with  raptures  new, 

Sang  forth  thy  grace  difpiay*d  to  view. 

When  thou,  the  uncreated  Son, 

Forth  from  the  Father's  bokrni  came  5 

When  of  the  virgin  thou  waft  born, 
We  fang  falvatioa  in  thy  name: 

Thine  infant  flar^,  which  men  defpife, 

Was  joy  and  wonder  in  our  eyes. 


I 


The 


66       EVANGELIC  POETkx". 


The  work  of  that  redeeming  love, 
Which  thou  didft  humbly  undertake, 

Drew  our  attention  from  above* 
To  of  thy  matehlefs  glory  fpeak  % 

Glory  to  God,  and  peace  to  man, 

Was  founded  by  the  heavenly  cian* 

Pause, 

*'  Hail  !  Word  eternal,  infinite/* 

Then  did  the  hills  and  vales  refound. 

When  thou  didft  thus  difplay  thy  light, 
And  ftream  thy  bieffings  all  around  5 

'ArnoK)  Amana%  Sbenir^  rang, 

And  forefts  of  thy  Carmel  fang. 

When  thou  waft  in  the  flefti  made  known. 
What  matchlefs  love  to  fallen  man, 

To  join  his  nature  to  thy  own, 
To  execute  a  glorious  plan  ! 

That  thofe  who  love  thee,  may  arife 

To  an  immortal  paradife  ! 

O  rofc  of  Sharon  !  heavenly  fair ! 

May  winds  upon  thy  garden  blow, 
That  fweet  perfumes  and  fpices  fair 

May  make  celttt'al  flavours  flow; 
May  angels  tafte  the  odours  fweet, 
In  raptuies  round  the  mercy  feat, 

O  morning  filar  I  effulgent  beams 
Difplay fd  thy  high,  majeftic  ftatc, 

When  tilt  embattled  fera^hjms, 
la  cheerful  ranks  did  on  th*  wait ; 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  67 


When  ftorms  and  thunder  fr>m  thy  baud, 
Crufli'd  the  arch  rebel  and  his  band. 

Pause, 

Though  now  you  feel  your  foul  oppreft  | 
Though  men  and  devils  now  engage 

To  fill  with  pain  your  peaceful  breaft, 
And  with  your  groans  inflate  their  rage  1 

They  cannot  crufli  almighty  pow'r, 

Though  this  be  their  triumphing  hour, 

Y  Hjr  Father  never  will  difown 
His  Son,  his  image,  and  deiigSt ; 

Your  cries  and  tears  will  reach  his  throne, 
Your  life  is  precious  in  Jm  fight  ; 

Though  now  you  may  fink  down  to  death,' 

Soon  will  you  leave  the  gloomy  earth  5 

Soon  will  the  fcene  of  grief  be  o'er, 
And  men  and  devils  rage  in  vain  5 

In  you  we  own  almighty  pow'r, 
Which  can  re&ore  to  life  again  5 

He  who  the  keys  of  death  doth  keep, 

Can't  long  within  its  chambers  fletp, 

Methinks  thy  robes,  with  fmauine  *ed,' 
Do  now  almoft  thy  conqueft  fhow  ; 

As  thofe  who  in  the  wine-vat  tread. 
And  bear  the  fpoils  of  every  f  e; 

Moft  b  ighr,  moft  glorious,  to  the  fk  ies,' 

I  fhall  behold  my  Lord  arife. 

How  bright  the  triumph  of  that  day, 
When  death  and  hell  ate  captives  !ei, 

By 


68       EVANGELIC  POETRY. 


By  him  who  through  death  pav'd  the  way, 
And  of  its  fting  a  prey  hath  made;  v 
Angels  attend  him  with  their  fong, 

royr.d  hus  heav'nly  chariot  throng. 
Pause. 

We  fing  his  vi£t*ry  with  del'ght, 

When  he  hath  closed  the  battle  well  ; 

We  bear  on  mind  his  arm  of  might, 

Which  made  us  chale  the  pow'r  of  hell  ^ 

We  fly  with  raptures  on  the  wing, 

To  hail  our  great,  our  glorious  King  \ 

Lift  up  your  heads  ;  ye  gates,  prepare; 

Te  living  orbs  !  eternal  doors; 
The  King  of  glory  now  draws  near, 

Clothed  with  light,  with  heav'nly  power  ; 
This  King  of  glory,  who  is  he  ? 
What  glory  is  it  which  we  fee  I 

The  King  of  glory  now  behold  ! 

Who  lent  Abaddon  down  to  hell  ; 
New  fceoes  of  pow'r  he  doth  unfold  ; 

Now  let  your  harps  his  wonders  tell  5 
Ye  faintSj  and  angels,  now  proclaim 
The  honour  of  the  crowned  Lamb. 

Thofe  honours  which  do  him  adorn, 

Tranfcend  the  thought  of  angels  bright  ^ 

Pie  who  was  of  the  virgin  born, 
Is  cloth'd  with  glory  infinite: 

Let  higheft  fongs  and  raptures  lead, 

The  lung  cannot  the  theme  exceed. 

Pause. 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  69 


Pause, 

Angels  fhal!  fee  thee  rife  above, 

And  ftain  ch$  pride  of  men  below  j 

Angelic  hqfts  will  round  thee  move, 

And  on  thy  praife  their  tongues  beftow  | 

And  while  they  clap  their  beamy  wings, 

The  fweet  melodious  anthem  rings. 

Attention  to  thy  flick  we'll  pay, 
On  earth  the  pu  chafe  of  thy  blood 

All  thofc  who  do  thy  truth  obey, 

We'll  own  as  fervants  of  thesr  God  ; 

By  us,  thou  wilt  them  fafety  fend, 

And  guard  them  'till  their  forrows  end. 

When  thy  almighty  hand  hath  wrought, 
And  gather'd  all  thy  chofen  ones, 

They  (lull  to- thee,  their  Lord,  be  brought, 
And  thou  wilt  own  them  as  thy  funs  j 

They' to  thy  joy  above  ftull  rife, 

And  with  thy  glory  pleafe  their  eyes. 

Pause. 

Angels  will  found,  at  thy  command, 
The  trumpet's  j<>yful,  awful  lou  id  ; 

Nor  earth,  nor  ftars,  will  longer  Hand, 
To  bring  their  circling  periods  round ; 

When  thy  tremend'ou&  hrightnefs  beams, 

To  wrap  the  rolling  worlds  in  flai  cs 

Thofc  files  of  angels  will  appear, 

To  fhaut  thy  praifc,  &  fpread  thy  fame  $ 


The 


7b      EVANGELIC  POETRY,; 


The  dead,  thy  majefty  declare  j 

The  grave,  thy  vifTry  will  proclaim  • 
Whtn  graves  their  feeble  doors  will  burft8 
And  ioofe  re-animated  dyft. 

.Then  on  the  left,  at  thy  command, 
The  wicked  mull  'with  fliame  appear^ 

Thy  face,  thy  (entence,  and  thy  hand, 
Will  fink  them  down  to  black  defpair  j 

In  endkfs  woe,  to  groan,  and  tell 

What  wretches  feel,  who  dare  rebel : 

But  on  the  right,  thy  faints  difplay 
The  (hinijng  beauties  of  thy  grace  y 

;The  glories  cf  celefi'al  day, 

They  in  thy  crofs  and  crown  will  trace  4 

rAngels,  with  them  will  join,  to  raife 

The  longs  of  thy  immortal  praife. 

Inviting  fervice  there,  is  found, 

For  thofe  who  with  thy  glory  join; 

To  fee  thee  blcze  thy  glory  round, 
And  fiil  thtir  harps  with  fongs  divine  j 

Thy  joy,  will  to  thy  friends  be  reft, 

JVhere  with  their  Lord  they  Ihail  be  bleft; 


PART  vi: 


EVANGELIC  POETRY? 
PART  VI. 


GOSPEL  TRUTH  in  TYPICAL; 
SCENES. 


Scene  i.    Mofes  a  Type  of  Cbrifil 
Dtur.  xviii.  18. 

How  true  and  faithful  is  our  God* 
To  verify  his  holy  word 
What  he  declared  to  be  his  will, 
In  faithfulneft  he  did  fulfil. 

His  word  he  did  reveal  of  old, 
A  ad  to  his  fervanc  M-jfe$  told, 
He  in  his  likenefs  would  provide 
A  prophet  for  his  people's  guide. 

Thus  Chrift,  the  heavenly  prophet, came; 
Who gofpei  blc flings  did  proclaim; 
The  truth  which  he  comes  to  declare, 
We  mud  with  all  attention  hear. 

Mofes  refus'd  to  take  a  feat, 
In  Pharaoh's  court,  among  the  great; 
S:>  Chriit  did  fcenes  of  grandeur  fhun, 
And  put  a  fervants  likenefs  on. 
Mojes  wrought  wonders  with  his  rod, 
Which  did  difplay  the  pow'r  of  God  ; 
But  Chrift,  by  miracles,  did  prove 
His  great  coaimiflua  from  above. 

Mofes 


EVANGELIC  POETRY/ 


Mofts  in  meeknefs  did  excel, 
When  G- d  approv'd  his  fervice  well  % 
Chrift,  full  of  heav'nly  meekntfs  Chore*1 
Whsn  God  spprov'd  him  as  his  Son. 

Mafes  the  fhock  of  Sinai  flood, 
When  thunders  were  proclaim'd  abroad  § 
But  Chnft  a  fcene  of  more  furprife, 
Which  fli oo k  the  earth,  and  veiled  the  fkies^ 

]\4ofes%  by  pray'r,  with  God  prevaiFd, 
Wren  Ifrad  grevioi/fly  rebjITd  ; 
But  Chnft,  with  pleas,  doth  aiways  (land 
To  intercede  at  Goo's  right  hand. 

Though  Mofes  fhort  of  Canaan  dies, 
Chrift  gain'd  an  heavenly  paradife; 
God's  word  doth  certainly  declare, 
He  is  the  prophet  we  Muft  hear. 

Thofe  who  will  not  his  voice  regard., 
In  the  kind  language  cf  his  word, 
Can  never  find  a  remedy, 
But  death  their  part  muft  furely  be; 


Scene  i  i .   Scmfon  a  Type  cf  Chrift. 
Judges  xvi.  28. 

FAITH  gives  the  foul  a  pleafing  view 

Of  God's  almighty  powV, 
Which  can  his  enemies  fubdue, 

And  will  his  rights  fecure. 

Though  Chriil's  dear  caufe  hath  many  foes,, 
Who  rage  vsith  fury  ftrong, 

And 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  73 


And  faints  who  do  their  rage  oppofe, 
Muft  lie  in  fetters  long : 

Tet  in  the  nioft  furprifing  fcene, 
When  floods  againft  th^rn  roar, 

God's  hand  will  kindly  intervene, 
When  they  his  help  implore. 

Thus  Sam/in,  with  expiring  breath; 

Appears  a  man  of  pray'r, 
And  God  die}  ftrengthen  him  in  deaths 

His  foes  to  conquer  there. 

The  pillars  of  the  houfe  tnuft.  fall, 
When  faith  defires  the  fame  ; 

God  will  confound  his  haters  all, 
And  plunge  them  deep  in  fharne* 

Here  is  a  character  which  gives 
A  type  of  God's  d*?ar  S  >n, 

Who  from  her  foes  God's  Zion  faves* 
By  cofcquefts  he  has  won. 

He  in  his  death  did  triumph  fliow 
O'er  the  da?k  powers  of  hell, 

And  did  that  kingdom  overthrow, 
Where  he  by  malice  fell. 


Scene  hi.    Adam  a  Type  tfCbritf. 
Romans  v.  14, 

Adam  the  firft,  made  of  red  earth, 
"Type  of  the  ftcond's  bloody  death, 
Each,  but  in  different  fenfes,  were 
The  Sons  of  God,  and  Sov'reigns  hsre* 
K  To 


74       EVANGELIC  POETRY^ 


T  on*%  an  earthly  paradife; 
The  ether's  life  above  the  fkies ; 
And  each,  as  righteous  rr,uft  appear^ 
God's  favour  in  each  reft  to  /hare. 

The  firft  did  ftand  a  ftSkl  head, 
Whpfe  guilt  brought  death  on  ail  his  feed  i 
The  fecond  gain'd  a  deathlefs  crown  j 
His  feed  are  children  of  renown. 

Sweat  of  the  brow  the  fir  ft  did  bear  y 
The  fecond,  drops  of  blood  mod  dear; 
That,  had  an  Eve  brought  from  his  fide; 
This,  by  his  blood,  obtain'd  a  bride. 


Scene  iv.  Jacob's  Ladder.  Gen.  xxvin.  12; 

JACOB,  a  Ladder  did  behold, 
Extend  from  earth  to  Heav'n  ; 

The  myft>ry  which  it  doth  unfold, 
Is  Chrift  a  God»Man  giv'n. 

On  it  the  angels  did  afcend, 

And  did  defcend  likewife  ; 
Through  Chrift  they  do  his  faints  attend, 

And  bring  them  trelh  fupplies. 

Chrift  is  the  only  way  to  reach 

Ceieilial  joy  above; 
No  other  way  his  fbrvants  preach, 

To  talk  his  Father's  love. 

Good  Jacob  in  a  vifion  faw 
The  Ladder  with  his  eye, ' 

And 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  75 


And  thus  true  faints  do  Jefus  view, 
And  faith  doth  bring  him  nigh. 

The  Lord  above,  th?  promlfe  gave. 
Of  the  good  Und  of  reft ; 

The  faints  by  Chrift  a  promife  have, 
To  be  forever  bleft. 

To  Jacobs  glorious  was  th?  place, 

Betbel>  the  houfc  of  God  3 
So  faints  by  Chrift  do  tafte  that  graced  r 

That's  glory  in  the  bud. 

Beneath  the  Ladder  Jacob  flept, 

ChrilVs  feet  his  faints  reipofe, 
Their  peace  in  him  is  fairly  kept, 

Their  joy  they  (lull  not  lofe. 

When  Jacob  from  his  vition  'woke, 

Surprife  did  fill  his  mind  ; 
But  faints,  when  Chrift  their  graves  unlock,' 

Shall  perfedt  calmnefs  fi  td 


Scen*  v.    The  Ark.    Exod,  xxxvii.  5; 

THE  Ark  of  firmed  wood  was  made, 
And  With  fine  gold  was  overlaid; 
The  works  of  Chrift  are  all.  divine, 
Which  in  his  glorious  perf>n  fhine. 

The  Ark,  grac'd  with  a  golden  crown, 
Did  (hade  Chrift's  honour  and  renown; 
True  glory  is  his  KetTt'i  delight, 
|n  which  his  friends  with  him  unite. 


The 


76      EVANGELIC  POETRY; 


The  corners,  hangings,  and  the  ring?,; 
Shaw  what  good  news  the  gofpel  brings 
Which  doth  declare  that  Jefus  reigns, 
And  o'er  the  nations  cocqucft  gains. 

Tables  which  did  the  Ark  contain, 
Sa+e!y  within  the  Ark  were  lain ; 
Wften  Chnft  did  work  a  Saviour's  part 
The  law  was  written  in  his  heart. 

The  golden  pot  with  manna  ftor'd, 
Did  (how  the  joy  Chrift  doth  afford  5 
To  thofe  who  do  that  portion  fhare, 
Wrio  tafte  and  love  his  bounties  dear,1 

The  rod  of  Aaron>  which  did  bloom, 
Show'd  Jefus  rifing  from  the  tomb-* 
Thof-  fliooting  bloffoms  widely  fpread^' 
Which         him  rifen  from  the  dead* 

Jordan  d'd  from  her  banks  retire. 
When  once  the  Ark  did  enter  there  ; 
So  Chrift  o'er  death  a  conqueft  made9 
"When  he  explored  its  gloomy  -fhade. 

Jfrael  did  march  where  Jordan  s  way, 
in  rolling  udr,  reach'd  the  dead  lea  \ 
So  faints,  by  drath,  may  go  to  rett, 
To  be  with  Jefus  tvcr  bkft. 

The  A,  k  did  Jericho  furround, 
And  th?  wall  cocter'd  to  the  ground  % 
When  Chrift  is  in  ihe  goipel  caO, 
Sinners  before  his  word  niuftfalL 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  7? 


Scene  vi.    The  Mercy  Seat. 
Exodus  xxxvii.  6. 

^^HAT  glory  grac'd  the  Mercy  Sear, 
Which  e'er  the  ark  was  fpread  complete  I 
Mercy  through  Chrift  is  fully  known, 
Which  comes  from  God's  eternal  throne; 

The  cherubs  ftretch  their  wings  on  high, 
While  they  the  Mercy-Seat  do  eye  ; 
Angels  and  faints  rejoice  to  fee 
Grace  in  the  gofpel  myftery* 

To  angels  by  the  church  is  told, 
Wifdom,  which  grace  doth  there  unfold  5 
Angels,  whofe  golden  harps  excel, 
To  faints  the  Saviour*s  glories  tell. 

God  with  his  chofen  tribes  did  meet. 
When  they  drew  near  the  Mercy  Seat  5 
Now  by  his  Son,  he  from  above 
Pgith  with  his  faints  commune  in  love. 


jScENEvn.  The fmitten  Rock  in  the  Wildernefsl 
Exodus  xvii. 

FiRM  was  the  Rock  where  waters  flow'd, 

For  IfraePs  tribes  moft  free; 
Chrift  our  eternal  Rxk  hath  ftood, 

And  cannot  fliakeo  be. 

Thofe  who  on  him  do  build  their  hope^ 

Unfhaken  will  remain  ; 
While  all  who  feek  ftme  other  prop, 

By  tempefts  muft  be  flain, 

No 


?8      EVANGELIC  POETRY. 

No  outward  pomp  the  Rock  difplay'd^ 
Though  needful  was  us  itore  > 

Chrift*  in  a  fervani's  form,  appear'd, 
And  for  our  fake  was  poor. 

A  wond'rous  fceoe  the  Rock  difclos5d  | 

When  fmitten,  water  came  | 
A  fmitten  Qhrift,  from  death  unloos'd^ 

Great  wonders  doth  proclaim. 

The  Rock  fent  forth  a  dream,  to  give 

The  marching  hoft  fuppiy 
The  Church,  by  ftreams  from  Chrift,  doth 

Here  in  this  defart  dry.  [hve 

The  Rock  did  not  txhauft  the  ftore, 

Where  flowing  waters  came  -9 
Chrift  well  fupplies  the  humble  poof* 

And  ftill  his  grace  the  fame. 

Scene  viii.  The  High  Prieft.  Exod.  xxviii. 

THE  High  Pr  iefi's  office  was  from  Gcd^ 

By  faCfed  unftion  feaPd  ; 
So  Chrift  anointed,  (hows  abroad 

The  grace  in  him  revea^d. 

JWith  blood  of  vi&ims  to  atone, 
The  High  Prieft  muft  appear, 

Within  the  veil,,  before  the  throne* 
On  each  returning  year. 

JefuSj  the  great  atoning  Prieft, 
Hath  ofFerM  up  his  blood, 

And 


EVANGELIC  POETRY;  79 


And  in  his  high  and  glorious  reft, 
Doth  intercede  with  God, 

While  the  High  Pried  in  office  flood, 

Then  the  man  flayer  found 
A  cicy  and  a  iafe  abode, 

From  dangers  all  around, 

Thofe  Tinners  who  to  Jtfus  go, 

A  refuge  in  him  have} 
The  city,  and  the  pridt,  did  (how,  * 

That  our  High  Frieit  can  fave. 


Scewh  nr.  The  Brazen  Serpent.  NumsJ  Km; 

WHEN  Iff  ad  was  dittreft, 

With  fi'ry  Serpent's  brood, 
Their  camp  expos'd  to  be  laid  wafie,' 

The  hofl:  a  trembling  (load. 

The  Lord  in  mercy,  fares 

The  trembling  hoft  from  fears  1 

A  remedy,  which  foon  relieves, 
In  mercy  he  prepares. 

When  men  for  fin  rnuil  die. 

And  no  relief  was  found  ; 
Thegofpel  brings  the  Saviour  nigh,"' 

To  heal  the  deadly  wound. 

The  Brazen  Serpent  made, 

Which  fjpeedy  help  could  give, 

Was  to  the  dying  hoft  difphy'd,    *  ; 
That  they  might  look  2nd  live- 


So        EVANGELIC  POETRY; 


£o  Chrift  is  raifed  high, 

That  faith  may  clearly  fee  5 

Where  thofewho  are  condemned  to  die* 
May  find  a  remedy. 


Scene  x.    The  Leper.    Llvit*  «£b 

ThE  Leper,  by  the  ritual  prieft, 

Pronounced  was  unclean  ; 
Chnft  views  apellate  man  debas'd 

With  an  unholy  flain. 

The  prirft  did  find  the  fad  difeafe 

Was  deeper  than  the  fkin  ; 
Chrift  knows  mat/s  heart,  by  wickedne&* 

Makes  him  deftl'd  within. 

The  ltp'rcus  perfen  might  not  take 

A  latitude  abroad  ; 
But  man  a  forfeiture  did  make, 

Of  favours  from  the  Lord. 

The  plague  of  leprcfy  did  ftain 

Where'er  it  did  extend  • 
So  all  the  acls  of  wicked  men, 

Do  grievoufly  offend. 

The  Leper  muft  be  brought  to  owe 

Himfelf  unclean  to  be  ; 
Sinners  are  by  their  fins  undone, 

And  muft  their  vilenefs  fee. 

The  houfe  in  which  the  Leper  dwelt, 
h  taken  down  at  laft  y 

fhi* 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  frf 

This  world,  a  fcene  of  fin  and  guilt, 
Muft  be  confum'd  and  wafte. 


Scene  xr.    The  cleanfing  of  the  Lepers 
Leviticus  xiv. 

That  he  who  had  the  Leproff, 
Might  from  its  fad  effedts  be  free* 
He  muft  unto  the  prieft  repair, 
Arid  be  the  fubjcft  of  his  care. 

So  finners,  who  would  find  relief, 
Muft  go  to  Chrift  with  all  their  grief  j 
In  him  alone  can  finners  find 
A  fan&iffing  Saviour  kind. 

The  prieft,  to  make  the  Leper  clean* 
Two  birds  doth  for  that  end  affign  ; 
One  muft  be  (lain  ;  and  in  the  blood, 
The  other  dipr,  may  fly  abroad. 

A  figure  in  the  birds  and  prieft,. 
Two  natures  in  the  perfon  Chrift 
One  bird  fhows  Jefus,  who  was  (lain  $ 
The  other  Chrift,  who  rcfe  again. 

With  blood  the  ritual  fprinkler  came*' 
To  on  the  Leper  {lied  the  fame  $ 
Apply'd  to  ea^s,  and  hands,  and  feet, 
When  the  rite  was  peiforuAi  complete; 

When  Chrift  to  men  applies  his  blood, 
They  hear,  they  work,  they  walk  with  God* 
Their  fouls,  from  fin  and  guilt  difcharg'd, 
In  tfays  of  peace  are  much  cnlargM, 

h  The 


82      EVANGELIC  POETRY; 


The  priefl*,  with  offerings  in  his  hands$ 
Before  the  Lord  atoning  ftands  ; 
So  Chrift,  prefenting  his  own  blood, 
Atones  for  fin  before  our  God. 


Scene  in.    The  Catidlefiicki 
Exod.  xxv.  31,  and  xxxvin.  17; 

JL  HE  Candleftick,  ordain'd  for  lights 

To-fcattcr  lacenc  rays  5 
So  Chrift  gives  light  to  guide  his  Church, 

In  truth  his  word  difplays. 

It  of  the  pureft  gold  was  made* 
Chrin's  precioufnefs  is  fhown  : 

Like  (even  lamps,  he  by  his  grace 
Makes  God's  perfe&ions  known.7 

It  in  the  fan&uary  ftood  ; 

Chrift  in  his  Church  appears; 
Like  branches,  are  his  bounties  flied 

On  ali  his  chofen  heirs. 

Like  knops  &  flowers  with  heavenly  gifts, 
Chrift  his  true  Church  doth  biefs, 

A  plealant  fcene*  when  faints  do  grow 
In  fruits  of  righteoufnefs. 


SicENE  xni.  The  Meat  Offering.  Lev.  xl  i." 

By  the  Meat  Offering,  was  a  fign, 
AM  gifts  came  from  a  hand  divine; 
Chrift,  the  mod  wond'rous  gift  of  God, 
1$  knt  to  man,  in  his  good  word. 

Whea 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  9$ 


When  in  his  grace  we  him  do  own, 
We  humble  thanks  to  him  return  •, 
The  gift  of  all  withj^nur  power, 
Like  offerings  of  the  fineft  flour* 

The  oil,  to  gladnefs  may  compare, 
Which  faints  receive  when  Orift  is  near  % 
When  we  his  welcome  pretence  meet, 
It  makes  his  way  and  worfhip  fwect. 

The  offering  by  the  prieft  was  brought  5 
Without  Chrift,  all  we  bring  is  nought  j 
By  him,  acceptance  we  obtain, 
The  great  memorial  who  was  flain. 

The  offering  bak'd,  a  fign  doth  fhow; 
Of  Ch  rift's  great  Offerings  here  below, 
And  all  our  love  to  him  muft  be 
Unleaven'd,  from  all  malice  free. 


P   ART  VII. 


A  MONITORY  INQUIRY* 


Sect.  i. 

Shall  fouls  immortal  yield  to  luft, 
And  ferve  the  flefh  in  iron  cords, 

Or  fineft  gold  be  laid  in  duft,      j  fwords  I 
And  gen'rous  breads  hz  pierc'd  with 

Shall  pois'nous  vipers  range  at  large, 
And  harmlefs  doves  become  their  prey. 

If 


U      EVANGELIC  POETRY: 

Or  malice  in  the  bofom  rage, 

And  gentle  peace  be  ftor'm'd  away  f 
Shall  love,  that  noble  paffion,  be 

A  fervanc  to  fome  vain  delight  I 
ShaH  hop?  be  made  to  bow  the  knee 

To  objects  which  I  have  in  fight  I 
Shall  prayV,  that  meflenger  of  Heav'n, 

Be  fo  benumbed  it  cannot  go  ? 
V/hcn  things  of  weight  are  to  it  giv*n9 

Shall  it  be  here  detainM  below  ?  ? 
Shall  heavenly  mindednefs  decay, 

And  love  to  earthly  things  increafej 
Or  thoughts  celeftia!  pafs  away, 

And  I  be  left  to  earthly  peace*? 

Muft  I  fubmit  to  mammon's  toys, 

And  treat  them  as  my  greateft  good, 

tWniie  great  Diana's  fans  rejoice 

To  fee  me  flight  my  Saviour's  blood? 

Shall  blefllngs  on  me  daily  ro!!.9 
And  true  devotion  all  be  dead, 

While  I  devote  my  longing  foul 

To  things  on  which  the  worms  do  feed  I 

Mufti  not "fljun  with  greateft  care, 

Thofe  "things  which  keep  me  from  my 

Muft  I  not  daily  perfevere,  [God  I 

And  keep  the  ftrait  and  heavenly  road  I 

Shall  Saul  among  the  ftuff  abide, 
When  called  forth  to  cake  a  crown5 


EVANGELIC  POETRY. 


Or  fervants,  vile  as  prince?,  ride, 

And  princes  \*y  their  honours  down  ? 

Shall  thorns  and  bri'rs  poflkfs  the  ground 
Which  heavenly  fruit  might  daily  yit 

And  nothing  in  my  foul  be  found 
Which  makes  it  like  a  fruitful  field  ? 

Shall  empty  toy3  below  the  (kies, 

Employ  immortal  mental  powers. 
And  real  good,  which  never  dies, 

Not  blefs  ms  from  its  ample  ftores  ? 
Wfrat  fiiall  we  call  thofe  men,  but  fools, 

Who  wafte  the  precious  day  of  grace  ? 
Can  they  be  wife,  who  damn  their  iouls, 

In  thsir  own  choftn  finfui  ways  Z 


SfiCTi  II. 

SINNERS,  can  you  good  reafon  give, 
Why  in  your  fins  you  choofe  to  live  ? 
Are  thofe  the  ways  that  pleafe  you  well, 
Which  lead  directly  down  to  hell  ? 

Is  it  a  qiere  fanta$ic  whim, 
That  mortal  life  is  but  a  dream, 
That  things  of  time  can  never  fave, 
Frcm  the  dark  confines  of  the  grave  ? 

Have  you  a  foul  which  muft  abide, 
When  fl,fh,  frail  fldh,  is  laid  afide, 
A-  d  then  deny  the  better  parr, 
pi  keep  foul  matters  from  the  heart  ? 


86       EVANGELIC  POETRY: 


Can  you  employ  your  thoughts  fo  well, 
As  on  thofe  fcenes  where  you  mutt  dwell? 
Throughout  a  long,  and  endlefs  (late* 
Either  in  woe,  or  blifs  complete  I 

Can  you  deny  your  choiceft  love 

Unto  the  King  of  faints  above  ; 

And  is  it  not  your  guilt  and  fhame, 

To  choofe  this  world,  'with  love  fupreme  I 

Think  you,  without  true  holinefs. 
You  can  true  joy  above  poffcfs, 
And  dare  indulge  a  flcfhly  mind, 
Yet  life  and  peace  exped  to  find  I 

Can't  God  appear  a  God  of  love, 
Unlefs  your  hatred  he  approve, 
And  make  you  heavenly  glory  fhare^ 
Altho*  your  heart  was  never  there  ? 
Would  it  to  him  great  honour  bring, 
If  he  (hould  work  fo  ft  range  a  things 
As  to  grant  you  the  joy  of  peace, 
And  yet  a  ftranger  to  his  grace  ? 
Do  all  profeflbrs  of  Ch  rift's  name, 
Embrace  his  crofs§  and  fufFer  ihame, 
Renounce  the  world,  and  fin  fubdueg 
And  gofpel  holinefs  purfus  ? 

Can  you  be  high  in  God's  efteem, 
And  yet  with  lies  encompafs  him, 
And  boaft  a  fair  profeflion,  when 
In  heart  you  love  the  ways  of  fin  ? 


Can 


EVANGELIC  POETRY. 


Can  you  believe  hypocrify 
Will  not  augment  your  mifery  % 
O;  can  your  mock- religion  gain 
Salvation  from  eternal  pain  ? 

Can  you  your  foul  from  danger  fhield, 
Becaufe  baptized  when  a  child  ? 
Or  broken  bonds  give  you  a  place 
Among  the  chofen  heirs  of  grace  ? 

Do  you  believe  that  God  will  own 
You  in  the  merits  of  his  Son, 
While  you  redemption-work  defpife, 
And  count  it  nothing  in  your  eyes  ? 

Does  the  Redeemer,  by  his  blood, 
Stand  confecrated  unto  God, 
While  you  upon  his  offers  pfay, 
And  fpurn  the  gofpel  grace  away  ? 

Cannot  your  heart  to  Chrift  be  gain'd, 
To  be  no  more  by  fatan  chain*d  ; 
But  mull  a  world  invoiv'd  in  fin, 
Give  all  the  prize 'which  you  do  win  ? 

Will  you  in  ways  of  folly  run, 
'Fill  you  forever  be  undone, 
And  nothing  bring  you  to  a  ftand, 
Or  make  you  fee  your  dreadful  end  ? 

Has  fatan  gain'd  (o  on  your  heart, 
That  you  from  fin  cannot  depart ; 
And  you  fo  mad  as  to  deftroy 
Your  foul  for  that  which  gives  no  joy  ? 


Pause.' 


SB        EVANGELIC  POETllf i 


PauseJ 

Is  it  your  pleafure  to  difpleafe 
That  God  who  can  you  crulh  with  eafe  3 
Or  can  you  with  your  feeble  irightt 
Engage  to  with  your  Maker  fight  t 

Can  you  almighty  pow*f  difplay^ 
And  o'er  all  world*  your  fceptre  fway  5 
Or  can  you  with  a  let  bey  maks 
A  world  like  this  to  ftand  or  fnake? 

Can  you  command  the  cloud*  to  rife, 
And  with  their  (hades  to  veil  r.he  ikies, 
And  thzn  beftow  the  beams  of  light, 
Or  draw  the  curtains  of  the  night  ? 

Have  ybu,  by  majefty  alone, 
Erected  Heaven  for  your  throne, 
While-  (hining  hofts  around  you  dandy 
To  uke  their  order  from  your  hand  ? 

Can  you  difplay  an  arm  fo  ftrong, 
That  you  can  make  each  mortal  tongue 
Coafeis  they  do  upon  you  ftay, 
And  learn  your  wildorn  every  day  ? 

Do  you  all  fie(h  in  fafety  keep, 
And  watch  their  motions  while  they  fkep? 
Mutt  they  arife  and  praife  your  name, 
For  all  the  favours  done  for  them  ? 

IVluft  they  before  you  (pread  their  grief, 
When  they  do  greatly  netd  relief  f 
Have  you  an  ear  to  hear  their  cry, 
Or  can  your  arm  their  wants  fupply  ? 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  89 

Is  it  by  your  all-wife  decree* 
That  a£ts  and  creatures  govern'd  be  ! 
Does  nothing  in  all  worlds  take  place, 
Put  where  your  agency  we  trace  ? 

Do  you  defufe  your  bleffirigs  round  ? 
iUe  all  your  works  with  glory  crown'd  | 
Muft  men  adore  your  lovereign  grace, 
In  granting  favours  as  you  pleafe  ? 

Have  you  a  right,  yourfelf  to  call 
Th*  eternal  fovereign  over  all  ? 
Have  you  the  keys  of  death  and  hell* 
To  bind  in  chains*  all  who  rebel  ? 

Does  fatan  roar  beneath  your  hand, 
Becaufe  he  can't  your  power  withftand* 
Does  he  Believe  your  word  and  quake, 
And  fear  your  rod  will  quickly  fhake  ? 

Gan  you  make  known  that  burning  day, 
When  eaTth-bbrn  things  muft  fade  away  ? 
Do  you  expert  then  to  appear, 
And  Ihow  almighty  greatnefs  there  ? 

Will  creatures  own  that  your  hand  brings 
The  conflagration  of  all  things; 
Or  can  your  eye  with  awful  blaze 
Blend  roiling  planets,  earth  and  feas  ? 

Will  you  a  voice  like  thunder  fend 
tJnto  the  earth's  reoioteft  end, 
To  rend  the  graves  and  raife  the  dead* 
That  death  your  captive  may  be  ltd  f 


M 


9o      EVANGELIC  POETRY. 


And  will  the  grave  your  voice  obey,' 
Unable  to  withhold  its  prey  ! 
Shall  you  the  Judge  of  all  appear, 
And  call  the  race  of  Adam  near  ? 

Shall  you  give  fentence  then, c4  deparf% 
Thofe  who  have  been  my  foes  in  heart  ?*! 
Will  your  bright  glory  happy  make 
Thole  who,  for  you,  did  allforfake  ? 

Now,  finner,  if  you  dare  prefume, 
That  you  can  ttofe  great  a5!s  perform,1 
And  can  with  firmnei's,  this  maintain, 
<s  Above  my  Maker  I  fhall  reign." 

Then  you  have  reafon  on  your  fide 
To  live  in  fin  and  fwell  in  pride, 
To  feek  yourfelf,  and  fport  away 
The  blefling  cf  a  gofpel  day. 

But  if  you  find,  that  after  all, 
You  by  the  ftroke  of  death  may  fall  j 
This  world  may  want  that  perfeft  refty 
In  which  alone  the  foul  is  blcft. 

If  all  we  need,  in  Chrift  is  found, 
If  all  his  foes,  he  will  confound  ; 
O  may  his  glory  pleafe  your  eyes, 
No  longer  dare  his  grace  defpife. 


PART  VIII. 


EVANGELIC  POETRY,  9i 


PART  VIII. 


the  ALLEGORY  of  Johmsom's  mathe^ 

MATICAL  QUESTION  INVESTIGATED. 


In  the  great  Univerfe,  was  found, 
A  kingdom  which  was  well  renown* J, 
So  magnify'd  with  dignity, 
Thai  only  one  did  it  outvie  : 
In  was  with  peace  and  beauty  bleft, 
Nor  fcenes  of  grief  did  it  molefl  • 
It?  rich  embelliihments  did  (how 
What  the  great  Architect  could  dos 
Its  decorations  were  to  bring, 
Praife  to  the  univerfal  King  ; 
Who  with  hi$  yifits  did  it  grace, 
And  did  his  bountiss  in  it  place. 
Great  were  the  gifts  he  did  confer 
On  thofe  who  did  inhabit  there ; 
And  from  among  them  one  did  take, 
Well  qualifyM  a,  prince  to  make  ; 
And  for  a  princefs,  to  him  grants. 
One  with  admirM  accomplifliments  $ 
And  for  their  fafety  did  provide, 
A  faithful  and  unerring  guide, 
Who  would  their  happy  ftate  defend, 
While  they  would  on  his  aid  depend. 
But  lo  !  one  of  the  giant  race, 
Oppos'd  to  the  Lord  of  the  place, 


EVANGELIC  POETRY., 


Who  for  rebellious  afls  was  fent, 

From  the  King's  face  to  banifijmento 

Behold  this  giant,  full  of  rage, 

Jo  raze  this  kingdom  doth  engage. 

And  enters  it  by  fallacy, 

And  gains  the  lady's  chaftity  5 

While  (he  is  pregnant  to  her  ccft, 

She  finds  Ihs  has  her  virtue  loft  : 

And  foon  from  her  there  did  proceed* 

A  monfter  rnoft  deform'd  indeed.  > 

No  fooner  is  this  monfter  born, 

Put  they  are  in  a  ftate  forlorn  ;■■ 

:The  prince,  and  princefs,  leave  their  thro^es^ 

And  the  whole  kingdom  fadly  mourns.  s 

This  manlier,  like  a  tyrant  great, 

Soon  fubjugated  the  whole  ftate, 

And,  with  repacious  fury,  made 

Contagion  through  the  fyftem  fpread* 


Part  i. 

This 

monfter,  in  each  part  to  trace* 
We  firft  muft  find  his  dwelling  place  ; 
Alfo  his  form  ;  and  then  the  fum 
To  which  his  limbs  and  members  come  5 
Like  wife  dimenfions  of  him  take; 
Alfo  his  ft'rength,  and  where  it  lies. 
And  iq  whzt  height  bis  voice  will  rife  % 
What  poifon  in  his  nature  is  * 
Alfo  how  deep  his  policies  $ 
His  arms,  and  how  with  them  he  fights  ^ 
Ar,d  vift'ries  gainM  by  his  exploits  ; 
r    *  '  And 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  93 

£nd  then  his  age,  how  long  that  he 
Alive  has  been,  and  ftill  fhall  be  ? 


Part  ii. 

The  queftion  in  the  fecond  part. 
Requires  probation  of  fome  art ; 
By  which  the  mifchief  may  be  known 
That's  by  this  horrid  monfter  done. 

Part  nr. 

No  W  let  us  fee  if  we  can  find 
A  per  fan,  in  whom  there  is  jom'd. 
Endowments  which  are  adequate, 
To  lay  this  monfter  at  his  feet  ; 
One  who  by  ftrength  and  wifdom  can 
Find  out  and  execute  a  plan, 
Which  may  this  monfter  fupercede 
In  ways  which  he  doth  proudly  tread; 

Part  iv. 

Now  may  fame  ample  way  appear, 
Which  will  this  monfter's  harm  repai  d 
That  he  who  governs,  may  maintain 
His  dignity  without  a  ftain. 


Th 


the  ANSWER. to- Part  h 

>  place  this  monfter  dorh  i n 
Is  where  the  heart  its  ways  doth  lo 
We  by  its  fad  efre&s  conclude, 
Whavis  the  place  of  his  abode. 

Li 


94      EVANGELIC  POETRY.; 


In  Heaven  it  has  no  place  at  all, 

Since  'tis  from  the  nee  it  tends  to  fall  § 

la  hell  its  limits  has  no  bounds. 

For  all  the  crew  its  fceptre  owns 

It  virtually  on  this  earth  dwells^ 

In  vegetives,  and  animals, 

Though  it  effentially  reigns  in 

The  vicious  hearts  of  fallen  men; 

Its  form  appears  where'er  it  goes, 

Among  its  friends,  but  not  its  foe$;  - 

On  creatures  who  c  f  it  partake, 

It  doth  moft  wretched  haveck  make, 

And  by  it  they  thofe  ibrrows  feel,  [dwells 

Which  bl ait  their  hopes  while  here  they 

To  feek  the  fum,  would  prove  in  vain 

Of  parts  and  limbs  it  doth  contain  j 

Its  ways*  and  ads,  in  numbers  refe, 

Beyond  what  human  thoughts  deviie. 

Ads  may,  by  words,  be  muliiply'd, 

Then  a  prcdud  by  thoughts  be  made. 

Sums  wrought  from  fums  produce  at  lalt^ 

A  fem  which  is  in  numbers  vaft. 

Mt:n  by  their  fins  do  difregard, 

What  God  difcovers  in  his  word  -9 

His  daily  favours  they  mifufe, 

While  they  his  holy  law  abufe  j 

The  Bible  they  do  lay  afide, 

And  their  own  wills  they  make  their  guide* 

Though  the  vile  turpitude  of  fin, 

Their  nai'ia!  pow'xs  are  ftain'd  within. 


Sins 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  95 


Sins  arc  augmented  when  we  trace, 
The  methods  of  God's  boundlefs  grace, 
By  which  ^11  ought  to  bs  inclinM 
To  ferve  him  with  a  willing  mind. 
Sin  doth  a  vaft  extention  take, 
In  fad  effe&s  which  it  doth  make; 
When  for  it  here  a  place  was  found, 
It  fpread  a  curfe  upon  the  ground 
Angels  and  men  with  torment 'fill?, 
And  ruins  all  things  where  it  dwells  ; 
And  firtks  beneath  all  joy  and  light, 
All  thofe  who  are  polluted  by't. 
Would  we  its  vail:  extent  explore  ? 
*Tis  like  afea  without  a  fhore  : 
Would  we  find  out  its  pondVotis  weight  ? 
•The  load  is  found  amazing  great, 
No  finite  power  can  it  fuftain, 
It  gives  the  foul  the  keeneft  pain; 
All  who  are  cruflied  by  its  power, 
Cannot  its  dreadful  weight  endure; 
Nor  can  the  heavy  load  remove, 
Which  finks  beneath  Almighty  love. 
Then  we  its  ftrength  will  feek  to  know,' 
By  what  it  actually  doth  do. 
Of  creatures  who  its  paths  do  take, 
It  doth  mo  ft  wretched  captives  make  ; 
In  every  change,  it  ftrength  doth  gain, 
While  they  its  willing  (laves  remain. 
How  far  can  it  that  voice  proclaim, 
Which  fpeaks  its  nature  and  its  flume  ? 


96        EVANGELIC  POETRY. 


Nor  place,  nor  time,  nor  changes  bound 

The  voice  of  its  tremendous  found. 

It  f peaks  the  guilt  which  finners  feel, 

Who  dare  againft  God's  law  rebel  $ 

In  all  the  fcenes  which  on  them  waif, 

It  fpeaks  their  awful,  dangerous  (late. 

Now  let  us  the  contagion  tell. 

Which  doth  in  its  vile  nature  dwell. 

Its  deep  infe&ion  wide  has  fpread, 

And  {truck  the  race  of  Adam  dead, 

Nor  can  that  natural  good  be  found, 

Which  once  in  Eden  did  abound  \ 

And  the  idea  is  only  feign'd* 

Of  earthly  paradife  regain'd. 

It  ftrangely  doth  infatuate, 

By  wiles  profound,  and  deep  deceit; 

We  may  its  fubtle  rneafures  trace, 

In  follies  of  the  human  race  ; 

It  makes  the  fons  of  men  believe, 

The  words  which  do  their  fouls  deceive  1 

The  Tinner's  mind  it  vainly  props, 

By  faifc  imaginary  hopes 

Thofe  things  which  claim  our  high  efteem* 

lc  renders  with  an  odious  name, 

And  treats  thofe  truths  which  are  divine, 

As  though  no  light  did  in  them  ihine ; 

The  lav/,  it  fays,  is  too  fevere, 

"Which  doth  demand  a  heart  fincere, 

Ana  in  the  gofpel,  Chrift  defpife, 

Asd  all  which  pleafes  angels  eyes. 


Now 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  97 


Now  treat  of  weapons  it  doth  ufe, 

And  fouls  immortal  doth  abufe ; 

Luft  of  the  fiefb,  luft  of  the  eyes, 

And  pride  of  life;  poor  vanities  ! 

But  if  by  thefe  it  can't  fucceed, 

It  lies  and  fights  in  arh'bufcade ; 

It  confcience  then,  and  reafon  braves,1 

fey  bold  efforts  to  be  its  (laves. 

And  with  defenflve  weapons,  ftill 

It  keeps  the  foul,  by  hellifh  fkill, 

Fighting  againft  convidtion's  dart, 

Left  it  fhould  pierce  the  linner5s  hearty 

A~d  (how  him  that  hs  h  undone* 

Unlefs  he  by  repentance  turn  ; 

Or  fetks  to  plunge  him  in  defpair, 

Hoping  to-alttays  hold  him  there  : 

Or  elfe  to  get  the  ftorm  allay'd, 

Which  has  been  by  conviction  made: 

It  fixes  on  fome  form  fecure, 

On  which  to  re3:,  and  (eek  no  more*, 

Let  us  proceed  now  to  go  on, 

To  treat  of  battles  it  hath  won  : 

In  this  inquiry,  let  us  fee, 

How  many  and  how  great  they  bei 

Speak  we  of  angels  who  did  fa!!, 

It  binds  damnation  on  them  all ; 

And  cremures  on  this  earth  do  groan,? 

Beneath  the  conqueft  it  hath  won* 

Alafs  !  they  now  diverted  are, 

Of  that  which  once  did  make  them  fair  3 

N  They 


98       EVANGELIC  POETRY. 


They  go  with  farrow  and  difgrace, 

In  all  lbs  various  ways  they  trace. 

When  creatures  firft  did  ftray  from  Gccts 

Then  it  took  place,  we  may  conclude  5 

That  it  was  made,  we  can't  pretend, 

For  theii-Oyn  God  it  muft  depend, 

Since  all  created  beings  have 

Their  ftay  on  God,  who  being  gave. 

That  it  exifts,  we  all  agree, 

Therefore  it  is  depravity 

Of  creatures  from  that  re&itude* 

In  which  they  by  creation  flood. 

It  as  prevation  cannot  ceafe, 

While  creatures  are  depraved ;  fince  'tis 

Nothing  but  reftoration  can 

Place  reditude  again  in  man ; 

Therefore  to  all  eternity, 

Creatures  depravM  in  mifery, 

While  it  for  their  companion  have. 

Hence  it  eternally  will  live. 


the  ANSWER  to  Part  11. 

Tok  now  the  mif chief  brought  to  view* 

In  ways  this  monfter  doth  purfue, 

Its  hateful  nature  we  muft  trace, 

And  fee  how  baneful  are  its  ways. 

The  glory  of  the  g^eat  Supreme, 

It  wifiies  all  would  difefteem  ; 

Acd  vainly  feeks  to  fupercedc 

The  end  for  which  all  things  were  made. 


By 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  99 


By  its  efforts  it  never  can 

Defeat  the  purpofe  of  God's  plan. 

Or  give  him  reafon  to  complain 

That  he  hath  done  one  a£l  in  vain  ; 

Since  creatures,  and  their  ads,  fulfil 

The  plan  of  God's  decreetive  will  5 

The  evil  which  takes  place  by  fin, 

Applies  to  ftates  creatures  are  in. 

Creation's  of  no  worth  at  si), 

For  God  indeed,  is  all  in  all  5 

Things  made,  Ve  then  snuft  eftimate, 

As  to  his  glory  they  relate ; 

Hence  evil  relative  it  found 

Where  fin  hath  fpread  its  deadly  wound; 

God's  purpofe,  (as  it  doth  refpedt 

Creation )  will  have  good  effeft  $ 

His  glory,  by  his  creatures  made, 

He  in  his  works  will  fee  difplay'd  3 

And  will  forever  clothe  with  fhame 

The  wretch  who  dare  defpife  the  fame.1 

This  monfterV  evils,  then,  are  great, 

As  to  God's  glory  they  relate ; 

God  can  to  it  no  favour  fhow, 

For  well  he  doth  its  nature  know  % 

His  glory  infinitely  dear, 

Doth  in  his  holy  fight  appear  % 

He  knows  the  worth  of  all  that  joy, 

Which  fin  is  feeking  to  deftrcy  ; 

And  could  his  enemies  fucceed, 

He  muft  molt  wretched  be  indeed. 


This 


i.oo      EVANGELIC  POETRY, 


This  rnonfter,  all  thofe  evils  brought, 
With  which  this  life  is  now  replete ; 
This  world  is  now  a  fcene  of  woe, 
And  never  can  true  peace  b^ftow  $ 
Here  man  mufi  groan  in  grief  and  paina 
And  then  he  goes  to  duft  again  % 
But  future  fceoes  of  black  defpai^ 
This  rnonfter*s  inj'ries  will  declare  •> 
Alfo  how  ruinous  they  be, 
In  fouls  bound  faft  in  mifery. 
God's  reft  in  glory,  will  be  ftrife, 
With  finners  who  do  feek  his  life  § 
In  fpice,  they  &z  his  life  do  aim, 
Who  hate  the  glory  of  his  name*, 
God  doth  in  righteoufoefs  contend. 
With  Goners,  who  on  him  depend, 
Who  with  the  power  he  doth  bellow, 
Wifn  they  could  work  his  overthrow* 
Hatred  againit  him  they  difplay, 
Becaufe  ht9s  good,  and  will  repay 
Fury  on  thofe  whafe  hearts  poffds 
Contempt  of  fpotlefs  holinels. 
God's  glory,  infinitely  grebe, 
Sinners,  with  all  their  hearts,  do  hates 
Thus  fin,  as  relatively  vievv'd, 
Is  oppofition  to  all  good. 


The 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  101 


the  ANSWER  to  Part  in. 

Now  let  us  fee  what  may  be  faid, 
(In  the  inquiry  to  be  made) 
For  one  in  whom  there  may  appear, 
A  charsdter  which  may  declare, 
Upon  a  juft,  and  glorious  plan, 
Glory  to  Gcd,  and  peace  to  man  j 
A  perfon,  able  to  afford 
To  man,  the  favour  of  the  Lord 
And  in  the  wond'rous  Icene  of  grace, 
Mercy,  and  juftice,  both  take  place, 
juftice  can  plead,  in  point  of  la^v, 
Sin  muft  its  weight  of  vengeance  draw 
On  thole  who  lavy  tranfgreffors  are, 
That  they  cnuft  die,  not  too  &vere ; 
Juft  is  the  law,  and  juft  the  doom, 
Which  on  the  guilty  pair  is  come  -9 
Should  they  attempt  thernfelves  to  clear, 
Againft  them  new  crimes  would  appear; 
This  they  can't  do,  unkfs  they  fay, 
V  If  we  our  Maker  difobey, 
Reafon  appears  fair  on  our  fide, 
To  flight  the  law  as  no  juft  guide.** 
If  fuch  a  ptea  as  this  may  ftand, 
Thus  urg*d  againft  my  juft  demand, 
The  great  Creator's  claim  is  void, 
And  rebels  take  the  place  of  God  ! 
The  holy  law  doth  weil  exp  *  fs 
God's  perfect,  fpotitfs  hoiiriefs  > 


And 


102      EVANGELIC  POETRY; 


And  rjghreoufnefs  I  muft  maintain, 
Which  caa'c  be  void  and  God  remain. 
If  God  fliould  pardon  Goners,  when 
They  blame  his  law,  andjple&d  for  fin* 
They  in  their  pride  would  dare  to  fay,1 
cs  This  law  no  one  ought  to  obey," 
The  law  cannot  its  claims  abate, 
Becaufe  vile  creatures  do  it  hate ; 
It  fhows  the  great  Creator's  right, 
And  curfes  thofe  who  do  it  flight,, 
Mercy  with  juftice  well  agrees, 
In  favour  of  fuch  righteous  plea*, 
Norfetks  to  bring  a  plan  to  view, 
Which  law  demands  will  difaliow  | 
Mercy  and  juftice  freely  join 
To  have  the  rights  of  juftice  fhine, 
Though  they,  in  different  ways,  declare* 
That  they  in  fweet  agreement  are  5 
Juftice  fays,  finnners  190ft  receive 
The  fentence  which  ihc  law  doth  give  % 
Mercy  allows  this  to  be  true, 
Yet  doth  the  wretched  {inner  view* 
She  feeks  not  iinners,  to  teftore 
Them  to  the  ftate  they  had  before; 
Allows  death's  vengeance,  brought  by  fin, 
Shall  be  mads  known  on  guilty  men  : 
Wifdom  makes  known  a  vsond'rous  way, 
Which  grace  and  juftice  will  difplay  5 
In  her  deep  couniel,.we  may  find, 
A  way  which  can  retrieve  mankind* 


From 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  103 


From  the  fad  ruin  made  by  fin, 

And  grace  io  glorious  triumph  reign, 

Th*  eternal  Word,  God's  only  Son, 

In  eflence  with  his  Father  one, 

He  in  creation-work  difplay'd 

That  power  by  which  all  things  were  made; 

In  Heaven,  where  fin  can  have  noplace, 

We  may  his  matchkfs  glory  trace  ; 

On  earth,  where  fin  hath  fpread  its  (lain; 

He  doth  its  fad  effects  reftrain. 

His  image  in  his  faints  he  forms, 

And  beautifies  with  grace,  poor  worms  5 

And  then  he  dwells  in  every  heart, 

Where  he  doth  Hiving  grace  impart : 

AH  which  isprecious  in  the  faints, 

He  by  his  grace  unto  them  grants. 

All  fcenes  which  truly  are  divine, 

Do  in  the  face  of  Jefus  (hine ; 

Refulgent  rays  of  glorious  light, 

In  him  do  centre,  and  unite. 

The  great  perfections  of  a  God, 

Which  blaze  in  luftre  a!S  abroad, 

His  work  and  purpofe,  do  proclaim 

The  glory  of  the  Saviour's  name. 

In  ftrength,  invincible  he  reigns, 

And  his  dear  chofen  flock  fullains  • 

Aad  all  the  havock  fin  hath  made, 

Cm  never  his  high  throne  pervade. 

He  faves  from  fin's  profound  a  by  f$, 

And  will  from  death  lift  famts  releafe  j 


Bkffings 


ic4      EVANGELIC  POETRY* 

Bitflings  on  them  will.more  abound, 
Than  thofe  which  were  in  Eden  found*' 
Al!  rarthly  things  are  vanity, 
When  they  with  Chrift  compared  be  % 
The  weight  of  glory  in  him  known* 
Can  wdgh  the  vafS:  creation  down. 
A s  he  doth  o'er  creation  reign* 
DefpotiG  power  he  doth  maintain  j 
And  in  the  Mediator's  place, 
He  (hows  his  power  in  faving  graces 
The  faving  power  he  doth  aflame, 
Will  fix  the  haughty  finner's  doom ; 
While  it  doth  humble  fouls  advance, 
It  on  the  proud  will  wrath  difpenfe. 
The  power  of  his  almighty  voice, 
Will  break  the  grave's  devouring  jaws  ; 
That  voice  which  rends  the  linnet's  heart, 
And  makes  him  for  his  folly  (mart; 
That  power  which  in  Chrift's  voice  is  greats- 
Is  to  his  faints  divinely  fweet ; 
By  art  divine  they  know  his  voice, 
Which  proves  he  truly  is  their  choice. 
Chria's  nature  is  all  purity, 
And  in  fuperiative  degree  ; 
Thofe  rays  which  fnow  created  light, 
Are  fnades  and  darknefs  in  his  fight, 
Creatures,  who  gifts  of  reafon  (hare, 
Confcious  how  weak  their  natures -are, 
Confcious  of  folly,  they  proclaim 
Their  nothingntfs  compared  with  him. 

Jejut 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  105 


Jefus  is  wife,  and  can  therefore, 
The  depth  of  every  fin  explore ; 
He  furely  will  inveftigate 
The  heart  which  loves  and  hidss  deceit.' 
In  ev'ry  inftance  he  can  tell 
The  counfel  of  his  Father's  will, 
And  by  his  works,  he  doth  declare 
The  fcenek  which  have  exiftence  there; 
He,  by  the  weapons  of  his  word 
Subdues,  as  by  a  flaming  fword  % 
His  foes  will  by  his  word  fubmir, 
In  free  fubje&ion  at  his  feet. 
When  he  commands  the  heart  to  yield, 
He  gains  the  conqueft  o'er  the  field  ; 
Hearts  to  him  turn,  or  elfe  they  know 
His  vengeance  in  their  overthrow. 
The  viAories  of  his  holy  hand, 
Which  all  his  foes  cannot  withftanct,' 
He  doth  with  facred  triumph  fpread 
To  bruifeand  crufli  the  forpent's  head; 
He  over  death  a  conqu'ror  rofe, 
And  lee  how  wide  his  kingdom  grows  $ 
The  gofpel  gives  the  joyful  found, 
That  Jefus  reigns,  in  glory  crGwn'd ; 
With  willing  mind  did  thoufands  hear, 
What  the  true  gofpel  doth  declare : 
He  told  his  fervants — he  did  fend— 
HfcM  with  them  be,  till  time  fhould  ends 
He  in  the  truth  is  with  them  ftill, 
And  the  fweet  pronife  will  fulfil, 


O 


And 


io6      EVANGELIC  POETRY^ 

And  bleflings  on  the  people  pour, 

Till  nations  do  his  grace  adore; 

The  gafpel  makes' that  Jefus  known, 

Who  cuts  the  pride  of  princes  down  5 

'Till  men  their  tribute  to  him  bring, 

Who  is  the  great  eternal  King. 

From  everkftingwe  him  find, 

Set  up  in  the  eternal  mind  ; 

He  will  remain  in  glory  crowned, 

When  years  have  gone  their  endlefs  round  j 

And  while  loft  finners  muft  fuftain 

The  punifhment  of  endiefs  pain, 

Triumph,  and  honour,  him  attend, 

When  all  fix'd  periods  have  their  end* 


the  ANSWER  to  Part  iv. 
Or,  the  Way  of  Salvation  from  Sin,  through  the 
Merits  of  Chrifi. 

The  Son  of  God  will  undertake. 

And  full  atonement  for  us  make  \ 

And  will  a  Mediator  be, 

In  whom  all  parties  may  agree. 

Effentiaily,  he  is  divine; 

None  can  his  right  to  Heav'n  allign  $ 

His  band  the  great  creation  made  \ 

His  natural  right  is  not  confer'd  $ 

But  facred  truth  gives  us  to  fee 

A  foul-confirming  rniftery, 

That  he  the  woman's  feed  did  make, 

That  he  the  ferpeni**  head  might  break. 


He 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  107 

He  fliows  the  world  his  Father's  love, 

Who  fent  him  from  the  feats  above, 

Our  nature  with  his  own  to  join, 

And  ftill  his  perfon  be  divine  : 

He  comes,  to  (Jiake  the  tempter's  throne, 

And  caft  the  prince  of  darknefs  down, 

And  fhow  thofe  works  are  falfe  and  vain, 

Which  fatan  would  by  lies  maintain. 

He  is  to  right'oufnefs  a  friend, 

And  juftly  will  the  caufe  attend, 

Between  the  law,  and  finful  man, 

Which  party  may  of  wrong  complain  : 

Now  if  the  law  is  too  fevere, 

In  what  it  doth  of  man  require, 

The  Mediator  will  not  view 

It  perfect,  holy,  juft,  and  true.' 

See,  he  performs  a  Saviour's  part; 

With  this  law  written  in  his  heart  5 

He  did  that  right'oufncis  fulfil, 

In  which  he  pieas'd  his  Father  well ; 

Though  he  from  every  fin  was  pure, 

He  dreadful  fufferings  did  endure  1 

When  powVs  of  darknefs  were  the  fword 

To  fmite  the  fellow  of  the  Lord, 

As  he  our  nature  did  afiume, 

Such  loads  of  grief  could  on  him  come. 

Though  he  cquld  be  no  child  of  wrath, 

When  fmitten  in  the  arms  of  death. 

With  mighty  cries  and  tears  he  prayM, 

And  he  was  by  his  Father  heard  $ 


And 


?g5     evangelic  poetry, 

And  had  the  bkfTings  he  did  plead, 

From  death  by  dying  to  be  freed. 

He  fuffer'd  as  a  righteous  one, 

For  guilt  and  fins  which  we  h^d  done  t 

He  was  a  facrifice  to  God, 

In  his  divine,  atoning  blood  : 

The  life  hp  gave,  fie  took  again, 

And  oiade  the  way  of  life  mod  plain  ; 

Full  proof  he  of  his  Son  fhip  gave, 

By  riling,  vidlor,  o'er  the  grave  ; 

Death,  which  in  rage  had  ridden  long. 

Hath  now  its  gates  wide  open  flung  j  ' 

More  than  its  equal,  now  is  found, 

In  him  who  rifes  to  be  crown'd. 

He  who  obey'dj  $nd  died,  and  rofe, 

Great  honour  on  the  law  beftows  °3 

At  God's  right  handj  he  has  a  place, 

By  law-fulfiiling  righteoufnefs. 

He  by  his  blood  doth  intercede* 

That  blood  by  which  he  left  the  dead  y 

Though  he  hath  gone  thro*  Heav'ns  high 

S:iS^  as  a  priefl:  he  mediates.  f  gates^ 

Complete  atonement  he  makes  known  ; 

Peace  flows  to  man,  through  hioi  alone: 

Now  in  a  free  and  glorious  way, 

God  can  forgiving  grace  difplay 

Now  finners  may  be  juftified, 

By  faith  in  him,  who  freely  died  ; 

>Jow  in  the  ^reat  Redeemer's  face* 

The  gofpel  ihows  the  kindeft  garce'. 


In 


EVANGELIC  POETRY,  109 


Jn  this  falvation,  rich  and  free, 
The  vileft  (inner  fav'd  may  be  5 
They  now  invited  are,  to  come, 
For  at  the  gofpel  feaft  is  room. 
Sinners,  who  love  their  finful  ways, 
Hate  all  this  grace,  which  God  difplays, 
And  flight  the  Saviour's  work  divine, 
In  whom  his  Father's  love  doth  fftine. 
Thofe  who  falvation  do  efteem, 
Will  make  the  gofpel  grace  their  theme : 
God's  glory  in  this  grace  they  view, 
And  they  gdoiire  its  beauties  too. 
Now  God  is  glorified,  they  fee  $ 
His  grace  and  juftice  will  agree  s 
In  feliowfhip  with  him  they  fing. 
The  glory  of  their  gracious  King. 
His  Son,  his  glory  doth  unfold, 
Whom  they  by  faith  with  joy  behold  ; 
Here  they  their  faich  on  him  employ, 
Which  brings  them  glorified  joy. 
Above,  where  Jefus  reigns  on  high, 
With  angels  they  can  pleafure  vie; 
Redeemed  from  chains  of  black  defpair, 
They  fing  immortal  glory  there. 
That  joy  cannot  by  tongues  be  told, 
Which  they  will  tafte,  when  they  behold 
The  beauties  of  the  Saviour's  face, 
In  brighteft  rays  of  glorious  grace  5 
They  fhall  in  his  bleft  image  fiiine, 
And  breathe  the  air  of  love  divine  5 


la 


fid      EVANGELIC  POETRf i 


In  love  and  praife  they  will  unite 

In  glory  cf  eternal  light  | 

Their  fongs  of  adoration  fweet, 

Will  all  in  the  Redeemer  meet  t 

"Glory  unto  the  Father's  love, 

Who  fent  falvation  from  above, 

In  the  dear  perfon  of  the  Son, 

Who  from  the  Father  was  made  known  i 

Glory  unto  the  Son  be  paid, 

Who  took  our  nature,  and  dbey'd 

His  Father's  great  and  high  decree* 

That  he  fhouki  Mediator  be  : 

To  praife  the  Holy  Ghoft,  we  join  j 

We  felr,  we  feel,  his  power  divine. 

Who  did  apply  the  jay  of  peace, 

Before  we  reach'd  immortal  blife. 


P   A   R   T  IX. 


Particular  TEXTS,  and  devout  EX- 
ERCISES, ILLUSTRATED. 


Text  i.    God  created  the  Heavens  and  the 
Earth.    Gen.  i,  i. 

CHAOS*  a  rude,  eonfufed  mafs, 
The  offspring  of  creating  power ; 

The  fcenes  which  nature's  vifage  grace, 
The  verdant -mead,  the  foiling  flower, 


The 


EVANGELIC  POETRY;  m 


The  rifing  hills,  the  finking  plains, 
The  fleeting  clouds,  and  vaulted  fky, 

Sun,  moon,  and  ftars,  with  all  chcir  trains,' 
Did  blended  in  confufion  lie, 

*Twas  work  of  the  eternal  mind, 

Inteftine  tumults  to  compofe  j 
The  elements  in  order  find, 

And  every  breach  of  nature  clofe^ 

The  fire,  affign'd  to  diftant  Iky  ; 

The  air9  a  {fumes  a  fecond  place  ; 
Beneath,  the  ma(Ty  earth  muft  lie, 

Which  water  folds  in  coldetnbrace.1 

Great  God  !  what  wonders  of  thy  Ikill, 
Doth  thy  almighty  hand  tffc£fc  ? 

Parts  which  compofe  this  fpacious  ball 
Speak  thee  a  wond'rous  architect. 

Thy  hand  the  fpacious  Heavens  did  framed 
The  glorious  ftrudture  of  the  Iky  ; 

Angels  adore  thy  holy  name; 

Beneath  thy  feet  their  crowns  do  lie. 


Text  itf    O  the  Depth  !    Romans  xi.  33: 

Wonders  will  urge  the  thoughts  of 
Yet  fcarcely  dare  believe;  [man. 

That  God  can  miracles  unfold, 
Is  truth  we  muft  receive. 

Wonders  in  God  all  round  appear, 
In  what  his  hands  difplay  1  * 


Admit 


It  1 2       EVANGELIC  POETRY* 


Admit  there  is  a  God,  and  then 
Our  doubts  will  fly  away. 

Thecaufe  of  all  things  without  caufe,' 
Makes  other  wonders  ceafe; 

Nothing  too  hard  for  him  to  do. 
His  own  works  do  him  pleafe; 

His  will  a  rule,  no  other  law 
Need  be  difplay'd  to  view, 

To  teach  the  righteoufnefs  which  we 
Muft  every  day  purfue* 

What's  marvelous,  God  6otk  reveal^ 

,  Fie  (hews  himfelf  therein, 
Which  if  we  leek  to  comprehend, 
The  vain  attempt  is  fin. 

Reafon  is  weak,  and  God  is  great* 

Faith  is  our  Tweet  repofe  ; 
Reafon  difputes  herfetf  away, 

If  faith  fhe  will  not  ufe. 

What  makes-  us  wonder,  muft  be  true* 

Or  greater  wonders  rile ; 
We  muft  believe  what  God  reveals, 

Or  own  rnyftenous  lies. 


Text  hi.  The  Earth  mcurnetL  Isa  xxxm,  9. 

Sorrow  o'er  nature's  face  is  f  pre  ad, 
Szt  all  her  ancient  grandeur  dead, 
Her  defolatior;  like  a  flood, 
Proclaims  a  great,  a  dreadful  Godr 

la 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  iii 


In  Lebanon  the  cedar  mourns. 
And  Sharon  to  a  defart  turn?, 
Nor  CurmeFs  fiow'ry,  fruitful  plain; 
Shall  cheer  the  fpreading  fold  again. 

In  thunder  the  Almighty  cries, 
My  power  and  vengeance  lhall  arife  ; 
Lo  !  valleys*  tremble,  mountains  nod,%  . 
And  earth  will  own  an  angry  God. 

Like  chaff  and  fiubble  are  your  fchemes, 
Which  you  expofe  to  burning  flames  j 
If  our  breach  ftiall  fet  the  pile  on  fire, 
'And  all  your  fubtle  plans  expire. 

Your  hoil  into  the  furnace  caft, 
Like  Jime  fhail  burn,  like  fmoke  fhall  wafte. 
And  like  dry  thorns  your  honours  blaze, 
And  nations  on  your  ruin 

What  I  have  done,  ye  people,  hear : 
Ye  fons  of  men,  my  judgments  fear  s 
The  finner  hangs  his  guilty  head, 
And  hypocrites  try  prefence  dread. 

Wretches  in  horror  and  fur^rife, 
Send  forth  their  felf  tormenting  cries.1 
Who  with  devouring  fire  can  dwell  ? 
Or  burn  in  an  eternal  hell  ? 


Text  iv.    The  Beloved.    Eph.  i.  6, 

HOW  great  is  the  Redeemer**  worth, 
Who  fees  his  Father's  glory  forth, 

P  Whea 


ii4      EVANGELIC  POETRY; 


When  it  appears  that  he  alone, 
Can  for  the  fins  of  rrien  atone  ? 

That  God  is  good,  none  can  difpute^ 
He  only  is  fo  abfolute  j 
Creatures,  as  fucb^  can  only  find 
Relation  in  the  fupreme  mind.x 

Perfe&ion  muft  be  in  the  plan, 
Not  wrought  by  angels,  nor  by  man  i 
For  fin  and  weaknefs  do  difgarce  . 
The  angels,  and  the  human  race. 

The  Father  knows,  the  Son  he  loves, 
To  love  divine  an  equal  proves; 
His  works  with  glory  crowned  are, 
As  in  and  for  him  they  appear. 

Infinite  wifdom,  power  and  grace, 
Shines  in  and  by  the  Saviour's  face  5 
He  who  the  Father's  image  bears, 
Centre  of  love,  which  God  declares* 

O  glorious  fcene  !  here  love  doth  fliine 
Love  infinite,  is  love  divine;  • 
Infinite  love  in  God  we  view, 
God  infinitely  lov'd  alfo. 

The  Father's  love  unto  the  Son, 
From  God,  to  God,  doth  kindly  run  | 
The  God- man,  Chrift,  the  glorious  way^ 
Which  doth  to  us  this  love  difplay. 

On  high,  the  great  Redeemer  reigns, 
His  chara&er  he  ft  ill  fuftains  ; 


How 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  115 


How  rich  and  pleafing  is  that  love, 
Which  doth  a  conftanc  fountain  prove  I 


Text  v.    Corns  down.    Luke  xix  5: 

Wr  FH  kind  and  condescending  grace, 
The  precious  Saviour  qomes ; 

Glory  adorns  his  facred  face, 
And  peace  his  tongue  affumes.' 

t'  Come  downy  Zaccheus^  from  the  tree. 

Salvation  now,  I  bring  y 
If  you  the  good  of  it  would  fee, 

Receive  me  as  your  King. 

If  you  my  prefence  would  enjoy* 
No  more  attempt  to  climb  5 

For  haughtinefs  will  peace  dcftroy  1 
Be  lpwly*  and  fublime. 

This  day  unto  your  houfe,  I  will 

A  joyful  vifit  make ; 
There  I  will  news  of  pardon  tell; 

Salvation  there  partake/! 

Zaccheus  wifely  did  obey, 

And  found  the  Saviour  true  j 

My  foul,  believe  what  Chrift  doth  iky; 
And  tafte  fai  vat  ion  too. 


XfXT  VI, 


nS      EVANGELIC  POETRY. 

,Text  vi.    Te  wor/hipy  ye  know  not  what, 

JcHN  IV.  22, 

How  great,  dear  God,  thy  glory  fhines. 
In  what  thy  works  and  word  declare  S 

Thy  character  in  faireft  lines, 

Difplay  how  rich  thy  beauties  are* 

Thy  wondVous  and  all  feeing  eye, 
Beholds  the  works  we  mortals  do; 

All  things  before  thee  naked  lie, 

Oae  look  from  thee  can  fcan  us 'through. 

But  yet,  regardlefs  of  the  fear, 
Thy  facred  worflhip  men  profane  \ 

With  lying  lips,  to  thee  draw  near, 
With  hearts  exploring  objeds  vain. 

Their  waad'ring  thoughts  do  trifles  chafe  % 
Their  barren  fouls  the  winds  purfue  $ 

Nor  feek,  nor  love  they  pardoning  grace. 
Nor  thee*  nor  thy  true  worlhip know. 

Although  thy  facred  beauties  fhine 
All  round  them  in  their  various  ways, 

Thy  dear  profusions,  all  divine, 
Excite  their  anger,  not  their  praife. 

If  in  their  woifliip  here  below. 

Where  all  thy  ways  are  truth  and  love? 
Men  treat  thy  welcome  vifitsfo, 

They  cannot  worihip  thee  above. 

In  all  my  roving,  and  my  rejl% 

My  thoughts  of  thes  pojfejs  my  breajl  1 


Let 


EVANGELIC  POETRY. 


£*et  no  temptation  me  infnare  ; 
Can  I  dare  Jtn3  when  God  is  there  ? 


Text  vii.    I  will  give  thee  Reji. 
J  Exodus  xkxul  14. 

In  all  our  various  ways  below* 

And  all  concerns  we  have, 
Let  us  in  God  that  reft  purfue 

Which  he  to  Mof&s  gave. 

God  prom i fed  to  the  meek  faint, 

His  prefence  for  a  reft ; 
When  God  doth  fuch  a  blefling  grant, 

The  loul  in  him  is  bleft. 

May  we  that  bleffed  favour  feek  % 

Alone  in  God  'tis  found  ; 
This  good  we  freely  all  may  take, 

And  have  true  joy  abound. 

Now  while  we  through  this  defart  rove, 

And  many  trials  bear, 
May  jhe  kind  angel  of  God's  love 

Keep  us  from  every  fnare. 

Towards  the  heav'nly  Can*an*s  reft 

Let  all  our  journey  be  5 
^Xay  love  to  Jefus  fare  each  breaft, 

While  we  from  Egypt  flee. 

Though  in  our  way,  the  ferpent's  fling 

We  very  often  feel ; 
The  balm  in  Chrift  will  comfort  bring, 

And  all  our  bruifes  heal. 


nS      EVANGELIC  POETRY; 


Text  viii.    Before  all  the  People  I  will  he 
glorified.    Levit.  x.  3. 

When  God  himfelf  did  manifeft 
Unto  the  people  of  his  choice  \ 

^When  often  he  to  them  expreft 
The  thunder  of  his  mighty  voice  : 

tWhen  he  in  matchlefs  glory  rode  ; 

Ifraef,  his  people,  then  did  fee, 
That  he,  a  fin  avenging  God, 

Would  by  them  glorified  be. 

When  Aaron's  fons  profanely  dare 
To  jealoufy  the  Lord  provoke, 

kThey  with  their  offering  brought  flrange 
By  fire  they  had  a  fatal  ftroke.  [fire, 

God  will  get  glory  to  his  name, 
By  thofe  who  hate  him,  and  rebel  % 

He  flaming  juftice  will  proclaim 
In  fending  fianers  down  to  helL 

May  we,  in  love,  and  humble  fear, 
Ourftlves  but  duft  and  alhes  own  *9 

By  faith  in  Chrift  alone,  draw  near, 
To  bow  before  his  awful  throne. 


,Text  ix.    He  taught  the  Men  of  Succotk. 
Judges  viii.  16. 

When  men,  by  unbelief,  difdain 
The  Lord  of  life  to  entertain 
Nor  for  his  caule  and  kingdom  care, 
Put  for  the  world  and  felf  appear : 

They, 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  iijj 


They,  as  the  men  of  Succoth  faid, 
To  Gideon,  when  he  fought  their  aid* 
*f  Do  you,  your  enemies  poficfs, 
That  we  fliould  help  you  in  deftrcfs  ?" 

But  Gideon  foon  did  let  them  know, 
What  they  muft  feel,  who  treat  him  fo$ 
And  taught  them  with  the  briVs  and  thorny 
A  recompence  for  all  their  fcorns. 

Thus  Chrift  will  to  proud  finners  do*' 
Who  in  the  way  of  (corners  go* 
He  will  their  haughtinefs  requite, 
Who  his  rich  grace  and  kingdom  flighty 

Chrift  can  his  kingdom  well  fecure, 
Without  the  help  of  human  power; 
But  thofe  who  will  his  caufe  defpife, 
Muft  find  his  wrath  againft  them  rife.1 

Text  x.    Chrift  4 died  for  us.    Rgm.  y.  8# 

MAY  floods  of  tears  fill  and  furprife 
Our  dry  and  unaffVfted  eyes, 

For  him  whom  our  hard  hearts  did  wound, 
Whom  w$  in  fcorn  did  fpit  upon, 
Who  for  the  deeds  which  we  had  done, 
^  Hath  by  his  blood  aranfixn  found. 
His  dying,  gentle  hands  we  fee 
NaiPd  to  the  crofs,  that  curftd  tree  : 

Alas  I  our  fins,  what  have  they  done  \ 
Which  on  the  bleeding  Saviour  lay, 
And  made  him  groan  his  life  away% 

That  he  might  for  our  fins  atone. 

Cart 


120      EVANGELIC  F^OETRY^ 

Can  e'er  our  hearts  or  eyes  forbear 
A  humble  groan,  a  melting  tear, 

A  tribute  to  the  Saviour's  pains  ? 
-Who  for  our  crimes  has  bled  and  died  J 
Jejus !  we  need  no  name  befide9 

To  fave  our  fouls  from  endlefs  chainS; 

From  death,  in  all  its  horrid  forms, 
Nothing  could  fave  us,  dying  wormSjj 

But  his  deaf  life,  a  rich  expence : 
And  now  our  hearts  he  doth  require,; 
To  make  his  love  our  true  defire, 

And  give  for  faith,  the  joy  of  fenfc 

Such  a  dear  friend  was  never  known, 
Such  love,  by  man^  was  never  flsown* 

While  we  were  rebels  to  our  God, 
He  came,  our  guilty  fouls  to  fave, 
And  as  a  ranfom  for  us,  gave 

The  merits  of  his  precious  blood*' 


T  ext  xi.    BleJJed  are  ye  that  hunger* 
Luke  vi.  21. 

Blessed,  are  they  whole  hearts  afpire 
To  joy  "on  high,  their  chief  defire  ; 
Whole' thirfty  fouls  would  now  be  fed 
With  heavenly  ftreams,  and  heavenly  bread 

When  ftreams  of  worldly  comforts  fail, 
In  God  they  may  with  plea fu re  dwell  1 
His  grace  affords  a  large  fupply, 
A  fountain  full,  is  always  nigh, 

While 


EVANGELIC  POETRY*  Hi 

"W^ile  oiheri  from  the  world  would  gee 
Their  peace,  where  fin  and  forrow  meet, 
The  foul  which  craves  immortal  food. 
Shall  have  a  fulnefs  oF  all  good. 


Text  xii.    Madnefs  is  in  their  Hearth 
EccL,  ix.  3. 

are  thofe  men,  where  are  they 
Who  fought  for  pkafure  here  below,  [now. 
And  vainly  fperit  their  thoughts  and  care, 
To  gain  pofikflions  to  them  here  ? 

Can  they  upon  the  ftage  be  founds 
With  earthly  wealth  and  plcafore  crown'd  ? 
Could  they,  with  mirth  and  riches  brave, 
Obtain  a  raniom  from  the^rave  ? 

Once  they  their  hearts  did  proudly  cheer; 
Their  haughty  eyes  difdainM  a  tear  ; 
This  world  did  once  their  hearts  inflame  ; 
They  thought  the  ways  of  God  a  fhame. 

They  now  have  made  unwilling  flight, 
From  fcenes  which  once  were  their  delight ; 
They  took  unwilling,  long  farewell, 
And  now  in  endlefs  daikhefs  dwell. 

While  worms  their  bodies  will  devour, 
Their  fouls  a  dreadful  fcene  explore, 
Confciqua  of  guilt,  and  vegeance  too, 
In  chairs  of  everlafting  woe* 


But 


122      EVANGELIC  FOETRt. 

But  when  the  flefh  muft  leave  the  grave; 
Unwelcome  union  it  muft  have 
Unto  the  foul,  with  it  to  take, 
The  torments  of  the  burning  lake. 


Text  xin.    Wretched  Man  that  I  am. 
Romans  vii.  24, 

How  often  doth  my  foul, 
From  thee,  my  Lord,  decline  ? 

How  oft  forget  my  facred  bond, 
To  be  iatirely  thine  ? 

Oft  may  my  Lord  complain, 

That  I  unliable  prove, 
And  from  him  fadly  go  aftray, 

Who  is  my  chiefeft  love. 

How  weak  the  Meih,  to  (land 

The  bold  and  fubtle  foe  ! 
How  dangerous  thofe  temptations  are* 

Which  leek  my  overthrow  ! 

Alas !  the  daily  grief 

I  on  my  foul  do  load  ! 
How  feeble  all  my  poor  efforts. 

To  keep  the  heavenly  road  ! 

Afford  thy  help,  my  Lord, 
And  keep  me  near  thy  face  ; 

Then  fhall  my  lips  found  forth  thy  praife, 
And  fing  redeeming  grace, 

What  triumph  grace  difplays* 
In  its  own  worthinefs* 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  123 

By  leading  fouls  through  fcenes  bdow, 
To  the  bright  realms  of  blifs  ! 

Text  xiv.    Thine  Eyes  (hall  fee  the  King. 
Isaiah  xxxnr.  17. 

Christ  is  a  Saviour  moft  complete. 
The  richeft  beauties  in  him  meet, 
His  face,  his  ways,  exceeding  fair, 
No  beauty  can  with  him  compare. 

Titles  by  which  the  angels  high, 
Each  other  do  in  praifes  vie, 
Are  not  too  glorious  to  exprefs 
The  honour  which  he  doth  pofifefs.1 

Saints  fee  the  beauty  of  their  King, 
And  of  his  light  and  glory  fing  •, 
While  humbly  they  his  grace  adore,' 
They  do  abhor  theirfelves  the  more. 

Chrift's  beauty  in  his  word  doth  Alice,' 
With  rad'ant  beams  and  charms  divine  \ 
Majeftic  and  attra&ive  love, 
He  fhows  in  paradife  above. 

Could  I  with  kings  in  greatnefs  vie, 
Thofe  fcenes  cannot  my  wants  fupply  5 
But  if  in  Chrift  I  have  a  part, 
He  truly  can  delight  my  heart. 


Text  xv. 


124       EVANGELIC  POETRY. 


.Text  xv.    He  thai  hath  the  Son,  hath  Life. 
i  John,  v.  12. 

THOSE  who,  by  faith,  an  hu'reft  have 

In  God's  eternal  Son, 
May  hope  for  life  beyond  the  grave, 

And  joys  which  are  unknown, 

Since  they  have  him,  they  mull  have  life, 

If  life  in  him  dcth  dwell ; 
In  troubles  here,  their  fouls  are  fafe 

From  fib,  and  fears  of  hell. 

A  nobler  pris»  poor  man  can't  need, 

Nor  the  great  God  beftow  ; 
Chrift  to  the  foul  is  living  bread, 

And  life  immortal  tcq. 

All  thofe  who.  in  him  have  no  parr, 

Children  of  death  remain 
To  him  they  will  not  give  the  heart 

Expo&'d  to  dcathlefs  pain. 

Since  Chrift  is  offered,  and  made  known. 

Come,  and  by  faith  embrace 
The  belt  of  offers,  Gad's  dear  Son, 

Now  in  the  day  of  grace. 

Delays  are  made  without  excufe, 
While  Chrift  is  not  made  furc  % 

And  thofe  who  do  his  grace  abufe* 
His  anger  muft  endure. 


Text  xvi. 


EVANGELIC  POETRY. 


Ti: xt  xvi.    Bkjfed  is  the  Man  that  trujieib 
in  the  Lord.    JlR.  xvii  y. 

^Blessings  divine  fhaii  on  him  flow, 

Who  makes  the  Lord  his  only  ftay  • 
In  God  he  hopes  while  here  below  * 
On  him  he  rolls  from  day  to  day. 

Tie  like  a  tree  (hall  flourifli  fair, 
Which  by  nfrt fhing  water  ftands, 

By  which  Her  boughs  fuppl.ied  are, 
While  to  the  ftream  her  root  extends 

In  times  of  drought  he  fhail  be  green, 
*  Nor  fhail  his  root  by  heat  decay  ; 
In  barren  times  his  fruit  is  fgen> 
Nor  fhall  his  feet  in  darknefs  firay. 

Chrift  like  a  fountain  will  afford 

His  grace  to  thofe  who  on  him  truft  ; 

The  boundlefs  mercy  of  the  Lord, 
Shall  well  fupply  and  fave  the  juft. 


Text  xvii  All  the  Days  of  my  appointed 
Time  mil  I  waif,  till  my  Change  come. 
Job  xiv.  14. 

J  WAIT  my  great  appointed  change. 

For  death  I  know  will  come, 
And  all  my  a&ive  pow'r  unhinge, 

And  bring  me  to  the  tomb. 
This  change  is  fure,  of  vaiti  concern; 

None  can  too  well  prepare, 


To 


126       EVANGELIC  POETRY. 


To  meet  the  king  of  terrors,  when 
His  furnmons  we  (hall 'hear. 

Life,  when  'tis  pafc,  no  more  can  give 

Supply  frcm  any  ftore 
Then  may  I  heav'nly  comfort  have, 

In  life  for  evermore. 
That  God,  who  is  my  portion  nowa 

1$  life  beyond  the  grave  : 
Should  death  me  call  frcm  things  below 

Still  I  may  comfort  have. 


Text  xvnr.    Lo !  I come !    Psal.  xl. 

What  bowels  of  eternal  love 
Did  in  the  great  Redeemer  roll, 

When  he  on  a  kind  meflage  came  ? 
See  the  compaffion  of  his  foul ! 

He  comes  !  the  only  Saviour  comes, 
To  do  a  wo»  k  of  vaft  concern 

An  earthly  body  he  affumes, 
And  puts  a  fervam's  likenefs  on. 

The  law  he  cheerfully  obey'd, 

And  did  its  great  demands  fulfil  j 

(In  form  the  law  at  Sinai  had) 
In  love  did  do  his  F&thei's  will. 

Since  Chrift  fo  willingly  has  come, 
We  from  him  rouft  not  turn  away  5 

We  in  our  hearts  muft  give  him  room, 
And  cheerfully  his  will  obey, 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  127 


Can  we  his  lovelinefs  deny, 

Who  is  replete  with  truth  and  grace  ? 
Moft  glorious  in  his  Father's  eye, 

Shines  the  bright  luftre  of  his  face. 


Tjext  xix.    /  will  publijb  ths  Name  of  the 
Lord.    Deut.  xxxii,  3, 

To  God's  great  name  be  praife, 

For  all  his  bleffings  fiiown^ 
Let  us  adore  his  wond'rous  ways, 

While  we  his  goodnefs  own. 

His  hand  is  always  kind  ; 

His  power  is  always  great ; 
His  favours  we  do  aways  find, 

In  this  our  feeble  ft  ate. 

When  he  his  name  difpiays, 

By  wond'rous  ads  cf  grace, 
May  we  have  hearts  to  praife  always 

And  tafte  the  joy  of  peace. 

How  great  his  boundlefs  love, 

Which  Ihows  hrs  holy  name  ! 
May  all  his  works  incentives  prove, 

To  celebrate  his  fame. 


Text  xx.    /  will  not  turn  away  from  them 
to  do  thtm good.    Jer.  xxxii,  40. 

JVIOST  kind  and  good  doth  God  appear,1 
In  the  rich  ccvVant  of  his  grace; 

He 


**8       EVANGELIC  POETRY; 


He  hath  made  large  provifion  there* 
To  help  his  faints  in  ev5ry  cafe. 

He  doth  to  them  in  love  impart 
His  everlafting  bleffings  fure$ 

And  the  kind  pity  of  his  heart  . 
Towards  them,  ever  doth  endure. 

In^'them  his  fear  he  doth  implant  ; 

They  on  his  word  with  j;>y  attend  ; 
In  all  their  ways,  a&d  every  want, 

They  truft  their  kind,  immortal  friend, 

Their  fouls  are  well  fecm'd  from  ill, 
Supported  by  redeeming  love; 

Although  in  trouble  here  they  dwell, 
True  joy  remains  for  them  above. 

How  glorious  are  God's  ways  of  grace, 
Which  all  his  chofen  faints  approve! 

Becaufehe  is  their  God  always, 

They  walk  with  him  in  fear  and  love. 


Text  xxi     Behold  the  King  comet  L 
Zech.   ix.  9.  / 

BEHOLD  the  King  of  Zwn  comes ! 

A  glorious  King  is  he  ! 
By  character  which  he  affumes, 

He  mud  the  Saviour  be. 

He  comes,  to  fave  his  church  from  fin, 
And  make  his  gofpel  known; 

And  the  falvation  which  he  bring?, 
Let  Zion's  daughters  own. 

He 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  129 


trig  is  in  this  falvation  juft, 

In  lowlinefs  dcth  (hine; 
In  him  may  all  his  people  trufl:  % 

He  is  a  Kinj>  divine. 

His  blood  a  fure  foundation  lays 

For  Ziotis  true  it  joy  j 
May  a! i  his  fcrvansa  in  his  praife* 

Their  cheerful  tongues  employe 

When  he  upon  a  cok  did  ride, 

Hof annas  him  attend; 
And  now  in  Heaven  he  doth  abided 

Where  praifes  never  end. 


Text  xxii.    Life  is  in  his  Sofa 
1  Johnt,  v.  2. 

What  foul- reviving  new*,  to  hear> 
That  life  is  in  the  Son  of  God ; 

That  we  from  death  may  freedom  have* 
By  the  atonement  of  his  blood  ! 

This  truth  may  cheer  each  drooping  mincV 
That  life  is  in  God's  blefled  Son  ; 

Thofe  who  a  portion  in  him  find. 
May  have  enough  to  live  upon* 

Hc„  who  can  fay  that  Chrift  is  his* 
Cannot  a  richer  word  eicprds ; 

Saints,  by  his  life,  are  heirs  of  blife,' 
Of  endkfs  life,  and  righteoufnefs. 

May  we  receive  life  in  the  Son  1 
By  faith,  life  in  his  bleffings  Jthare  5 

R  And 


1 3o       EVANGELIC  POETRY; 


And  have  our  hearts  whh  him  above," 
And  live  devoted  to  him  here. 


Tzxt  xxm.    Hearetb^  and  doeth:  Hearetb, 
and  dceth  not*    Luk.2  vi.  47,  49. 

X~Ie  who  hears  Chrift  in  faith  and  love, 

Like  one  who  builds  ftcure, 
Shall  find  his  building  ftedfaft  prove* 

When  floods  again  ft  it  roar. 

When  troubles  like  a  temped  rife, 

His  hopes  are  fix'd  upon ; 
The  Lord  his  rock  a  refuge  is, 

A  tried  corner  ftone. 

But  he  who  hears  the  gofpel  found, 

And  doth  not  underftand, 
Is  like  the  man  who  fceks  to  found 

Hi3  building  on  thefand. 

And  when  the  floods  againft  it  rife, 

It  cannct  ftand  at  all ; 
The  rapid  (beam  comes  with  furprife, 

And  it  muft  furely  fall. 

Thus  hypocrites  away  will  fade, 

Who  make  a  fpeqous  fliow  ; 
Thofe  trials,  which  true  laints  abide, 

Will  linnets  overthrow. 


Text  xxiv. 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  151 


Text  xxiv.    Fear  not^  link  Fock. 
Luke  xii.  23. 

HAPPY  the  (lock,  which  Jefus  owns ; 
tils  blood  for  all  cheir  guile  atones  5 
In  all  their  dangtr,  he  is  nigh  5 
His  grace  will  all  their  wants  iupply; 
Chrift  is  a  Shepherd,  good  and  kind  ; 
Compafiioa  moves  his  facred  mind  -9 
His  people's  comforts  in  him  are  ^ 
His  little  flock  is  fafe  from  fear. 

God's  children  have  the  beft  of  friends  5 
His  wealth  beyond  their  thoughts  extends  % 
Chrift,  of  his  flock  takes  lpecial  care  ; 
Though  they  are  fmallj  they  need  not  fear. 

As  pity  moves  a  father's  breaft, 
To  give  his  fufPring  children  reft, 
Chrift,  by  his  ftrong  and  mighty  arm. 
Will  well  fecure  his  flock  from  harm* 

God,  in  his  gracious  cov'nanr,  grants 
An  heavenly  kingdom  to  his  faints  & 
The  flock  of  Chrift  is  moft  fecure, 
Prote&ed  by  almighty  power. 

When  ftorrnSj  the  Church  of  God  invade, 
Chrift  warm  her,  not  ro  be  afraid ; 
God  will  his  children  free  from  grief, 
And  to  Chrift's  flock  will  fend  relief. 


Text  xxt: 


132       EVANGELIC  POETRY. 

Text  exv.    To  tbem  gave  he  Fewer  (o  £$. 
come  the  Sens  of  Gcd.    John  i.  i  2. 

THOSE  who,  by  faith,  the  Lord  embrace, 

Have  bleffings  in  the  word  | 
To  be  partakers  of  free  grace*. 

The  chofen  Sons  of  God. 

Thofe  who,  in  heart,  truly  believe 

On  Chrift's  exalted  ntf&e^ 
His  glorious  benefits  receive. 

His  offices  cfteea). 

Great  is  their  happinefs,  who  come 

To  God  with  filial  fear, 
As  children  in  and  through  his  Sen, 

Do  unto  him  draw  nt ar. 

The  tokens  of  God's  fpecial  grace, 

Unto  his  tons  are  giv'n  ; 
He  guides  them  here  in  his  good  ways, 

And  makes  them  bleft  in  Heav'n  ! 

Eternal  life  is  their  reward, 

Who  truly  Chrifi  receive 
They  who  receive  bim  as  their  Lard, 

All  bleffings  in  him  have. 


Text  xxvj.    BeperfebJ.    2  Cor,  xiii.  11* 

If  we  would  tsfte  the  joys  above, 

Which  God  dcih  on  his  faints  bellow  1 

We  to  perfedicn  molt  afpjre, 
Though  not  attained  hue  bdow. 

The 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  133 


The  more  we  are  conformM  to  God, 
The  greater  happinefs  we  find  ; 

Complete  obedience  is  true  blifs, 
Known  only  by  a  pcrfedt  mind. 

Truly,  that  muft  be  peace  indeed, 

Which  from  the  God  of  peace  doth  come; 

lie  to  his  faints  an  earned  gives 
Of  their  eternal,  blefled  home. 

O  may  the  God  of  peace  beftow 
On  us,  the  prefence  of  his  grace  ! 

And  while  we  fojourn  here  below, 
May  we  enjoy  his  (miling  face. 


TfiXT  xxvii.    And  make  our  Abode  with  him* 
John  xiv\  23, 

Jesus  is  altogether  fair ; 
His  grace  moft  glorious  doth  appear, 
To  all  whofe  hearts,  by  love,  do  know 
The  beauties  which  his  graces  fhow. 

The  Prince  of  life  at  God's  right  hand, 
An  interceding  Prieft  doth  ftand  % 
While  faints  by  faith  and  vifion  fing 
The  honours  which  proclaim  him  King. 

Such  is  his  condefcending  grace, 
That  faints  below  may  fee  his  face  ; 
To  thofe  who  truly  him  obey, 
He  will  his  friendly  light  difplay. 

Come,  let  us  own  him  as  our  king ; 
To  him  our  willing  homage  bring  ; 

Truly, 


i34      EVANGELIC  POETRY; 


Truly,  he  worthily  can  claim 
Our  nobleft  powers,  to  fpread  his  fame. 
Behold  and  love,  believe,  admire  j 
<Let  thoughts  of  him,  our  zeal  infpire  $ 
Efteem  his  beauty,  always  eye 
Eternal  things  above  the  fky. 


Tixt  xxviii.    Behold^  here  at®  i* 
2  Sam.  xy,  26. 

Our  fovereign  God  let  us  adore2 
Who  wifely  executes  his  will  y 

May  we,  created  by  his  power, 
Our  obligations  to  him  feel. 

[Though  he  rejeft  us  with  a  frown. 
And  for  our  fins  his  help  deny  ; 

He  has  a  right,  we  all  muft  own, 
To  aft,  as  feems  good  in  his  eye* 

Thus  David,  when  with  danger  preft, 

To  God  did  quietly  refign  j 
Content  to  be  with  grief  oppreft, 

And  not  againft  his  God  repine. 

;The  language  of  his  pious  foul, 
Spake  the  fubmiflion  of  a  child, 

?'My  Father's  will  PH  not  control, 
But  to  his  pleafure  gladly  yield. 

Although  he  fhould  me  difregard, 

And  tread  me  down  into  the  duft, 
Jiis  hand  by  me  fhail  be  ador'J ; 
rod  I  own  entirely  fa0t 

May 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  15$ 

W. ay  we  be  glad  and  humble  too, 
For  all  the  dealings  of  God's  hand  ; 

He  resgns  fupreme  ;  lhall  we  not  bow 
To  him,  whom  none  may  dare  withftand  ? 


Text  xx  ix.    /  waited  patiently  for  the  Lord. 

PSAL,   XL.  I. 

Behold  the  great  Redeemer  waits, 
With  patience  on  his  Father's  will, 

In  full  obedience  to  perform 

A  work,  which  did  the  law  fulfil. 

His  Father  to  him  lends  an  ear, 
And  hears  the  crying  of  his  Son, 

And  did  with  fpecial  notice  view, 
The  fpecial  trials  by  him  borne. 

Though  in  the  horrid  pit  he  lay, 
Yet  from  the  grave  was  he  reftot'd  y 

He  who  was  funk  in  miry  clay, 
Is  now  advanced  a  glorious  Lord. 

And  in  his  mouth,  once  fmitten  mouthy 
A  fong  is  put  with  triumph  new ; 

A  fong  which  doth  God's  love  fet  fourth^ 
In  the  dear  Saviour  brought  to  view. 

Many,  thofe  wonders  (hall  behold, 
And  freely  own  the  Lord  us  great  > 

i^nd  fear  and  truft  bis  holy  name, 
And  to  the  Lamb  with  joy  fubmic; 


Text  xx$ 


i$6      EVANGELIC  POETRY; 


Tjext  xxx.    He  hath  put  a  new  Seng  in  w) 
Mouth %    Psal.  xju.  3. 

I  WAITED  with  a  pacientmind, 
Saith  Chrift,  *till  God  his  ear  inclined* 

And  heard  my  bitter  groans  and  cries  * 
While  grief,  and  anguifh,  fear,  and  pains, 
A.ndfweat  like  blood  pour*d  from  my  vaitts§ 

Coofpire  to  make  my  forrows  rife. 

'Twas  then  in  miry  clay  I  flood, 
Softaining  the  amazing  load, 

Of  piercing  grief,  while  cruel  foes* 
Inflead  of  pity,  did  impart 
Their  rage,  to  fink  my  bleeding  heart 

Deep  in  the  horrid  pit  of  woes. 

The  pit  where  death  and  darknefs  reign, 
To  hold  me  faft  attempts  in  vain, 

When  God's  almighty  power  was  there* 
To  fpoii  the  triumph  death  had  made, 
And  me  advance,  and  crown  my  head, 

That  new  fongs  might  his  praifc  declare. 

Many  the  wonders  (hall  behold, 
Which  God  doth  by  his  grace  unfold  -y 

And  learn  to  fear,  and  truit  his  names 
They  thro*  the  great  Redeemer's  blocd, 
Obtain  forgiving  grace  of  God  ; 

And  do  his  boundkfs  love  proclaim. 


Text  xxxr; 


EVANGELIC  POETRY:  ijf. 


Text  xxxi.    Many  ate  the  Afflitliom  of  \ht 
Righteous.    Psal.  xxxiv.  19. 

SAINTS  may  have  great  afflidions  here; 
Which  may  be  long  and  prove  fevere  ; 
By  troubles  of  the  flefh  and  mind, 
Tempstt'ous  billows  they  may  find. 

When  fins,  and  fears,  give  them,  furp.rife, 
And  God  ftems  to  xtydi  their  cries; 
When  weak,  and  h^lpiefs,  they  rnuft  ftand^ 
Combatants  with  an  heUifh  band  : 

Great  is  their  grief,  their  fears  are  great* 
In  tears  they  mourn,  difconfolate ; 
Their  fouls  in  fadnefs  are  cafl:  down, 
Beneath  their  heavenly  Father's  frawn. 

But  from  all  trouble  God  wil  fave 
His  chofsn  ones,  who  to  him  live  ; 
Their  farrows  fhall  bt  felt  no  more, 
When  this  tempeftuous  life  is  o'er. 


Text  xxxii.  Mary  bath  chofen  that  good 
^  part.    Luke  x.  42. 

Come  let  us  make  the  happy  choice, 

Which  holy  Mary  did  ; 
Who  to  her  bleffcd  Saviour's  voice 

Her  chief  attention  paid. 
Chrift  her  example  did  approve, 

When  wifely  (he  did  choofe 
That  part  which  he  a  flu  res  in  lovs 

That  fhe  fhould  never  lofe. 

S  It 


i38      EVANGELIC  POETRY* 

It  is  a  part  which  is  moft  good, 
Since  Chrift  doth  call  it  fo; 

rAnd  with  the  knowledge  of  a  God, 
He  certainly  muft  know. 

It  is  a  part  of  more  true  worth 

Than  all  created  good  ; 
*T»  what  the  Saviour  purchased  hath 

With  his  moft  precious  blood. 

The  goodnefs  of  it  is  to  thofe, 
Who  choice  of  it  do  make  5 

^While  finners,  who  do  it  refufe, 
True  happinefs  forfake. 


Text  xxxiii.    Behold  I /land  at  the  Boorl 
Rev.  hi.  20. 

Behold  how  Jefus  condefcends, 

Still  waiting  all  the  day ; 
With  an  inviting  voice  he  ftands, 

And  calls  us  to  obey. 

He  at  the  door  doth  plead  and  knock, 

For  us  to  let  him  in ; 
While  we  the  heart  do  (hut  and  lock, 
And  entertain  our  fin. 

His  loving  voice  is  fureiy  fweet* 

Thofe  bkflkd  are,  who  hear, 
Whofe  humble  foul?,  at  Jefus  feet, 

Feel  true  fubmiffion  there. 
Cbrift  to  the  humble  heart  will  come, 

With  vifits  of  his  grace* 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  139 


And  as  a  King  will  it  affame, 
For  his  own  dwelling  place. 

He  will  commune  with  thofe  in  love. 

Who  do  him  entertain  \ 
Nor  will  his  gracious  prcfence  prove 

To  humble  fouls  in  vain. 

Text  xxxiv,    Confolation  in  Cbriji. 
Phil.  ii.  i. 

SWEET  and  cdeft'al  joys, 

And  beauties  all  divine  ; 
Are  in  the  bleft  Redeemer  found. 

And  glorioufly  dofhine. 

Happy  the  gracious  foul, 

Which  climbs  to  Heaven  to  fee 

The  comely,  and  immortal  charms. 
Which  in  the  Saviour  be. 

What  glorious  beams  of  light, 

And  clear  majeftick  rays, 
In  Chrift  appears,  all  to  invite 

To  joy  which  he  difplays. 

The  beauties  of  his  grace, 

Cannot  be  fully  known, 
By  faints  who  dwell  in  mortal  flefh; 

Nor  angels  near  his  throne. 


Text  xxxv.    That  ye  love  one  another: 
John  xiii.  34. 

When  holy  love  infpires  the  bread,' 
TThe  foul  has  entertaining  reft  j 

Chrift 


i4€>      EVANGELIC  POETRY^ 

Chrift  doth  it  on  his  friends  enjoin^ 
By  his  new  law  which  is  divine. 

Not  only  by  command,  doth  he 
Require  that  we  in  love  agree, 
But  by  example,  he  doth  fhow, 
What  love  in  his  own  hears  could. do; 

The  image  of  his  love  divine, 
I?  what  he  doth  on  us  enjoin 
He,  who  in  love  his  life  did  give, 
Commands  that  we  in  love  fhould  liv&» 

Let  love  to  him  prevail  fupreme, 
And  then  his  -faints  we  fhail  tftetm, 
As  in  his  image  they  appear, 
The  (iroDger  love  we  to  them  bean 

By  this  all  men  may  clearly  fee, 
Thofe.  who  Chrift*$  chofen  people  be* 
When  love  to  Chfift  unites  them  well* 
And  in  his  caufeone  imereft  feel. 

His  church  on  earth  by  love  is  knewn^ 
And  he  no  other  church  will  own  ; 
Unlefs  this  mark  of  love  they  Hiow, 
True  feltowOiip  they  cannot  know, 


Tixt  xxx  vi.    Come,  ye  Blejfd  of  my  Fathr. 
Matt.  xxv.  34. 

BEHOLD.,  and  praife  th*  exalted  Son, 
Amidit  the  fpiendor  Of  the  throne  5 
A  glorious  man,  a  glorious  God, 
Dear  in  appearance  and  in  word. 

Come 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  141 


Gone,  heavenly  fouls,  poflefs  my  joy  5 
Cdeil'al  praife  be  your  employ  *f 
Employ,  which  gives  your  fouls  delight, 
Ouce  known  by  faith,  but  now  by  fight. 

You  who  my  name  did  fear,  and  know, 
And  love  did  in  obedience  Ihow, 
And  own*d  my  members  and  my  caufey 
Here  you  may  tafte  immortal  joys : 

Joys,  which  for  you  were  well  prepa  *d, 

E-e  earth-s  (bong  pillars  up  were  reai'd, 
Which  I  have  purcnasM  by  my  bbud, 
That  you  might  here  enjoy  ycur  God. 

How  will  the  faints  admire  the  love 

Of  JefitSi  who  will  them  approve, 

And  with  a  facred  plealure  own 

Works,  which  they  by  his  grace  have  done; 

They  by  his  love  conftrained  were, 
To  aft  the  love  he  did  require  ; 
In  them  he  owns,  and  loves  his  grace, 
By  which,  with  joy,  they  fee  his  face. 


Text  xxxvii.    What  lack  I  yet  ? 
Matt.  xix.  20, 

The  young  man  vainly  boa^s,  that  he 
Had  kept  the  law  with  care, 

That  from  his  youth,  he  did  agree 
With  ail  it  did  req  lire. 

Proudly,  he  thinks  the  law  had  taught 
What  he  did  well  approve  j 

That 


tfgjf      EVANGELIC  POETRY.1 


That  he  could  keep  it  as  he  ought. 
Though  deftitute  of  love. 

But  Chrift  doth  unto  him  declare. 

That  if  he  would  obey, 
He  muft  difpenfe  with  ireafure  here,. 

For  wealth  which  can't  decay. 

J' Now  you  mult  par:  with  things  below^ 

If  perfed  you  would  be 
And  on  the  poor  your  wealth  bellow. 

And  come,  and  follow  ms.M- 

He  then  from  Chrift  in  forrow  went. 

Nor  did  this  offer  choofe  •, 
*To  keep  his  wealth  was  his  intent, 

Tho*  he  his  foul  muft  lofe. 

Dear  Jefus^  may  my  mind  be  free. 

To  hearken  to  thy  call ; 
And  part  with  all  to  follow  thee. 

For  thou  art  all  in  all. 


Text  xxxvni.  T o  him  who  alone  doth  great 
Wonders.    Psal.  cxxxvi.  4. 

JMERCY  and  power  to  God  alone, 
0  Belong  by  uncontefted  claim; 
By  him  are  mighty  wonders  done, 

While  mercy  well  difplays  his  name : 
Pcaife,  with  his  name  doth  well  agree, 
Whofe  mercy  fhines  with  osa  jetty. 
LThe  wonders  which  his  hands  perform; 

Are  many  $  but  in  them  we  fee, 

Th?; 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  143 


The  wifdom  of  his  hand,  by  whom, 

They  all  with  eafc  effected  be; 
Eternal  wifdom,  boundlef*  might, 
Appear,  our  homage  to  invite. 

Thro'  the  expanded  univerfe, 

His  mighty  works  declare  his  praife* 
There's  not  an  atom  in  all  fpace, 

But  what  creating  power  difpiays  ; 
His  mercy  doth  with  wonders  fiiine, 
And  (hows  his  majefty  divine. 
Redemption- work,  above  the  reft, 

Excites  our  wonder  and  our  praife  j 
There  mercy  is  with  power  expreft, 

Above  the  higheft  angels  keys; 
The  mercy  of  the  God  of  power, 
We  never  fully  can  adore. 


Text  xxxix.    But  the  greateft  of  theft  is 
Charity,    1  Cor.  xiu.  i%i 

How  much  doth  charity  excel ! 
Her  charms  and  beauties  who  can  tell  $ 
Her  name,  and  virtues,  join  to  prove, 
That  (he  flows  from  the  God  cf  love* 

She  is  long  fuffering,  and  kind  5 
From  envy  fhe  doth  free  the  mind  ; 
Not  funk,  when  grief  doth  on  her  lie,1 
Nor  puffed  up,  when  raifed  high. 

In  all  things  fhe  behaves  aright ; 
A&d  public  good  is  her  delight 

U0 


144      EVANGELIC  POETRY. 


Nor  yields  to  vicious  paffion's  reign, 
Nor  evil  thoughts  will  entertain. 

She  for  iniquity  will  grieve, 
While  truth  doth  pleafure  to  her  give* 
When  fin  abounds,  her  forrows  rife, 
But  truth  advanced,  doth  pleafe  her  eyes. 
With  patience,  fhe  all  things  can  bear, 
While  faith,  and  hope,  her  helpers  are  $ 
She  knows  the  promifes  are  fure, 
Tho'  fi'ry  trials  fhe  endure. 

When  light  and  glory  fupercedes, 
Thofe  gracious  adts  which  now  fh«  needs* 
Shvf  fhall  in  full  perfe&ion  fhine, 
In  perfedt  love,  to  things  divine. 


Tuxt  xl.    Unto  him  be  Glory  in  the  Church. 
Eph.  in.  21. 

Let  the  true  Church  adore  the  Lord, 
For  grace  he  doth  to  her  afford 
'Tis  by  his  grace  his  Church  doth  fhine, 
If  he  withdraws,  fhe  doth  decline. 

*Tis  the  good  fpirit's  powerful  breath, 
Which  brings  her  from  the  fhade  of  death  % 
When  fhe  in  darknefs  lies  ebfeure, 
His  word  can  light  and  life  reftore. 

When  Chrift  is  in  her  as  a  King, 
S^e  glory  to  her  God  will  bring  ; 
Tributes  of  praife  with  joy  fhe  gives, 
Thro5  Chrift  her  Lord,  by  whom  fhe  lives; 

Bkft 


EVANGELIC  POETRY;  145 


Bleft  be  the  Lord,  whofe  power  can  well 
Defend  her  from  the  rage  of  hell  % 
If  gates  of  hell  agamft  her  are. 
He  will  to  htr  relief  appear. 

God's  Zion  moft  ftcure  fhall  ftand, 
By  the  prote&ion  of  his  hand  5 
She  fafely  may  in  hini  confide, 
Who  keeps  her  walls  on  every  fide; 


Text  xli,  I  will  weep  bitterly.  Isa.  xxxi,  4,* 

H  \RK,  for  'tis  Zion  weeps ! 

Mine  ears  attend  her  fighs, 
And  learn  what  melting  farrows  move 

Her  lips,  to  make  thefe  cries. 

c<  My  heart  with  bitter  pangs, 

Beneath  my  forrbws  bow  ; 
The  night  which  once  did  give  fepofe* 

Is  turn'd  to  fadnefs  now. 

Ye  earth  born  friends  withdraw; 

Your  comforts  are  in  vain  1 
The  fpoil  that's  on  my  people  brought* 

Gives  anguifti  to  my  pain. 

My  foul  is  overwhelmed, 

While  blood  the  land  doth  drown  % 
And  fuddenly  the  tempeft  brings 

My  tents  and  curtains  down. 
Moft  grievous  is  the  wound 

Which  patiently  I  bear ; 
*Jhr,  iy.  19,  20.  and  x.  19,20.  Isa.  xn.  j. 

T  Tho' 


i46      EVANGELIC  POETRY; 

Tho'  none  among  my  fon$  are  found, 
My  ruins  to  repair." 

Text  xui.    Men  ought  always  to  ftay. 
Luke  iviii.  i. 

Afflictions  make  God's  chndrea 

Or  they  would  furely  faint,  Ipray, 
When  in  a  fore  diftreffu-g  day, 

A  Facet's  rod  is  font. 
They,  on  their  God  with  patience  wait, 

He*  hears  their  humble  cry  •, 
They  to  his  holy  will  fubmir, 

He  with  his  grace  is  nigh. 
Does  God  invite  us  by  his  grace, 

To  ftek  his  aid  by  prayer? 
We  may  approach  our  Father  s  face, 

That  he  our  cries  may  near. 
O «  never  may  a  chriftian  faint, 

When  he  to  God  may  go 
And  leave  with  him  each  lore  complaint, 

And  take  true  comfort  too. 
When  troubles- bring  us  near  to  God, 

Great  bltffings  they  do  prove  » 
A  Father's  fmiles,  a  Father  s  rod, 
Do  each,  dlfplay  his  love,  

Text  xlih.    Rejoice  not  againfi  me. 
Micah  VI.  8. 
IlNE  enemies  may  not  wjoice, 
May  Zion  boldly  fay  j 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  147 

Rly  fpuJ  can  triumph  in  the  crofs, 
In  a  tumultuous  day. 

My  foes  don?c  know  how  all  their  rage 

Doth  drive  me  to  my  reft 
When  Chrift  doth  on  my  part  engage. 

Their  hatred  makes  me  bleft. 

"When  I  do  fall,  my  hope  remains, 

That  I  again  fhali  rife  % 
Then  joy  and  light,  will  eafe  my  pain?. 

And  cjsar  the  darkeft  fkie3. 

From  God,  my  light,  my  joy  doth  flow* 

Relief  in  him  I  find  ; 
His  arm  is  all  the  ftrength  I  know  $ 

No  friend,  lifce  him,  is  kind. 

The  light  in  which  he  leads  my  foul; 

My  labouring  thoughts;  compofe  j 
His  hand  doth  all  creation  rule  ; 

His  right  he  cannot  lofe. 

I  in  his  light  fuch  brightnefs  fee. 

When  I  behold  his  face, 
I  cannot  own  'tis  dark  with  me, 

Held  in  his  kind  embrace. 


Text  xliv.    fVbat  is  your  Life  f 
James  ly.  14. 

THIS  life,  with  all  her  boafted  joys; 

Are  always  fleeting  here, 
A  pafling  fcene  of  vapVy  toys, 

Which  foon  jnuft  dfappear. 


Our 


148      EVANGELIC  POETRY. 

Our  fight  will  fcarcfly  move  fo  faff: 

As  objects  here  below  | 
All  earthly  glory  foon  is  loft, 

Juft  like  an  empty  fhow. 

The  thread  of  life,  with  ftrongefc  ties, 
Can't  hold  the  parsing  hand  $ 

When  death  its  force  with  nature  tries. 
None  can  the  ftroke  withftand. 

O  may  we  well  our  time  improve ! 

The  only  feafongiv'n, 
To  well  prepare  for  joy  above, 

Eternal  life  in  Heav'n. 


Te^txlv.  H#w fhallws  efcape  f  Hab  ii.  ^. 

What  great  falvation  is  difplay'd, 
By  grace  in  God's  eternal  Son  ? 

•What  overture  of  love  is  made, 

By  tht  great  God,  to  man  undone? 

God  Tent  his  Son  from  manfions  high, 
Who,  to  this  world,  did  make  his  way, 

And  kindly  bow'd  his  head  to  die,  * 
That  fov -reign  grace  he  might  difplay. 

Can  we  behold  the  wond*rous  Tcene, 
And  ftill  our  hearts  be  hard  as  (tones  ? 

Is  that  dear  blood  in  no  efieem, 
Which  only  for  our  guilt  atones  ? 

Can  we  forget  a  bleeding  God, 
And  a/3  as  the'  he  dy*d  in  vain  ? 


Thole, 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  149 


Thofe,  who  fuch  love  will  difregard. 
Cannot  efcape  eternal  pain. 


Text  ^lvi.  We  walk  by  Faith.  2  Cor,  v  f. 

If  we  would  tafte  pure  facred  joy. 
Our  fouls  muft  learn  divine  erpplo)  * 
And  in  that  heavenly  art  improve, 
Tp  walk  by  f^ith  which  works  by  love. 

Bv  carnal  fight  thofe  are  rot  led, 
Who  are  with  carnal  pSeafure  fad  $ 
Bat,  by  theadts  of  faith  fubiime, 
They  *3p  to  Hea/'n  for  comtort  climb, 

With  joy,  they  by  believing  tafte 
The  bounties  of  an  heav'niy  feaft  ; 
Faith  in  the  great  Redeemer'*  po,v  , 
Supports  them  in  a  crying  hour. 

When  fenfe  is  gone,  and- tight  i 

Faith  brings  true  pleafure  to  the  mmdj 

Come  let  it  be  our  chief  deli| 

To  Walk  by  faith  and  nor  by  fight, 


Text  xlvii     If  prudent  Man  foreftefh  & 
Evil.    Paqv.  xxn  3. 

A  PRUDENT  man  forefeea 
Th?*  Pinners  dangerous  cad, 
And  flies  for  refuge  ?o  that  gtici 
'  Which  reigns  in  Chrilt  out  Lord. 

How  dangerous  is  the  Rate, 
In  which  vile  finners  lie, 

Expofed 


t5o      EVANGELIC  POETR¥. 


Expofed  to  the  dreadful  wrath. 

Of  the  great  God  on  high* 
Yet  finners  will  go  on. 

In  this  deftru&ive  way  $ 
^They  dare  provoke  the  God  above, 

And  flight  the  gofpel  day. 

They  will  not  counfel  take. 

By  folenin  warning  given, 
To  make  their  peace  with  God  betimes* 

And  be  prepared  for  Heaven. 

The'  Gcd?  with  awful  power, 
Will  rnalce  his  anger  known. 

They  will  provoke  his  dreadful  arm,1 
And  draw  his  vengeance  down. 


Tbxt  %t  vi  ii.    With  the  Mind  I  ferve  tfa 
Law  of  God.    Rom.  vu.  25, 

umbk  thanks  to  God  it  due. 
Thro*  Jefus,  our  afcended  Lord  1 
By  whom  the  mind  doth  gladly  know 
The  fwcet  attradtion  of  his  word. 

fTis  all  thro*  Chrift,  that  we  obtain 
The  pleafure  of  an  heav'nly  mind; 

Grace  in  the  heart  thro*  him  doth  reign,' 
When  to  God's  law  it  is  inclin'd. 

Grace  in  the  heart  doth  make  us  choofe 
To  ferve  the  Lord  with  all  our  might; 

But  with  the  fltfh  we  do  refufe 

Thofe  ways  which  give  the  mind  delight. 

The 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  151 


The  fltfti  is  fccking  to  deprive 
The  foul  of  joy  divinr !y  fweet ; 

The  flclh  doth  pine,  and  fret,  and  drive, 
When  grace  doth  fame  enlargement  get; 

O  welcome  day  !  when  faints  ftiall  leave 
The  flefti  to  moulder  in  the  ground  y 

No  more  to  clog  the  willing  mind, 
To  fuch  a  vile  companion  bound. 


Text  xlix.    The  Glorious  Gofpel  of  Chrifc 
2  Cor.  ix.  4. 

Kindly  the  gofpel  grace  appears. 
In  Chr  ft,  who  God's  bleft  image  bears  1 
Thafetruhs  with  glorious  brightnefs  fhine; 
The  rays  of  erace  are  all  divine. 

The  gofpel  glory  (bines  fo  bright, 
That  thofe,  who  do  refufe  the  light; 
Are  by  the  prince  of  darkoefs  blind, 
Who  rules  the  unbelieving  mind. 

Ic  doth  appear,  that  they  are  loft, 
Who  cannot  gofpel  fweetnefs  tafte ; 
/      Eternal  darknefs  they  fecure, 
Who  cannot  gofpel  light  endure. 

Dsar  Jcfus  !  by  thy  powerful  grace, 
Subdue  thy  foes  to  truth  and  peace  ; 
And  make  thy  glorious  gofpel  known,1 
In  heart?,  where  fat&n  has  his  throne* 

Bs  thou  all  glorious  in  the  eyes 

Of  thofe,  who  now  thy  grace  defpife  5 


Thy 


i52       EVANGELIC  POETRITf 

THy  v'&'ry  in  thy  truth  difplay, 

That  blind,  loft  fouls,  may  learn  the  way: 


Text  l.    Thy  defire  a  better  Country. 

HtB.  XT.  16. 

I  r  was  a  fweet,  and  heav'nly  mind, 
The  good  old  Pati'archs  had, 

When  in  their  hearts,  they  were  inclined, 
To  live  as  pilgrims  did. 

Tr^v  frcm  their  native  land  did  go* 
Not  knowing  where  they  went, 

"While  to  a  place,  not  here  below, 
Their  minds  were  fully  bent. 

With  heav'nly  hearts,  thev  had  in  view 
Things  of  an  heav'nly  kind  ; 

They  found  no  earthly  feints  below, 
Which  could  delight  the  mind. 

God  did  their  pious  ways  behold, 

Their  a£ts  of  faith  approve  % 
And  in  his  covenant,  to  them  told, 

He'd  be  their  God  in  love. 
H'\  thole  as  fervants  to  him  dear, 

Was  not  afharn'd  to  own  ; 
A  ^d  for  them  man  lions  did  prepare, 

In  prefence  of  his  throne. 


Text  u, 


fey  ANGELIC  POETRY:  153 


Xktl'i.  IwillrejoieeintbeLord.  Hab.ii1.i8. 

Altho*  no  blobm  the  fig-tree  gives; 
And  earth  for  fmiling  verdure  grieves, 
Yet  ih  my  God  I  can  rejoice; 
I  in  his  will  have  all  my  choice.  f 

Should  vines  no  moni  their  fruit  afford^ 
Nor  wine  be  fpread  upon  the  board ; 
The  Lord  my  foul  can  fweetly  cheery 
When  his  refreftiiog  grace  is  neir. 

Should  olives  mock  the  laborer's  toil/ 
And  fcorn  to  give  the  cheering  oil ; 
That  oil  which  doth  from  Jefus  flow, 
iVill  oh  my  foul  true  joy  beftow. 

Should  drought  confume  the  verdant  fields 
That  it  no  food  to  nature  yield  ; 
Mjr  foul  true  bread  in  Chrift  will  findi 
The  word  of  life  will  feed  the  mind. 

Tho'  from  the  fold  the  flock  decay, 
Tho*  (hepberd  charge  be  mov'd  away  i 
To  Chrtft,  my  Shepherd,  I'll  repair  % 
tie  makes  his  chofen  flock  his  care. 
Tho'  in  the  ftall  no  herd  is  feen, 
To  raife  the  hopes  of  worldly  taeh  i 
Hope,  by  celeft'al  profpedta  ftands, 
And  taftes  the  fruit  of  diftant  lands: 


Text  lii.    What  think  ye  of  Cbrifi  f 
Matt.  xxii.  43, 

CoM£  thou,  my  foul,  inquire  and  fee; 
What  thoughts  of  Chrift  d6  govern  thefii 
V  Mas 


154      EVANGELIC  POETRf. 


Has  he  thy  chief,  thy  choiccft  love  ? 
Doft  thou  thyfelf  to  him  approve  ? 
Doth  love  to  him  fo  warm  thy  breaft, 
That  thou  canft  choofe  no  other  reft  ? 
Daft  thou  to  him  for  help  repair, 
And  find  thy  choiceft  comforts  there  ? 

Is  he  thy  conftane,  welcome  friend, 
Who,  as  thy  guide,  thou  doft  attend  ? 
Haft  thou  the  trueft  joy,  when  made 
To  walk  the  way  which  he  did  tread  ? 

With  others  canft  thou  friendftiip  break* 
For  Chrift  thy  dear  Redeemer's  fake  ? 
And  with  delight  the  crofs  embrace, 
And  think  the  fervice  no  difgrace  ? 

Doth  it  to  thee  relief  afford, 

To  think  and  fpeak  of  Chrift  thy  Lord  ? 

Is  it  his  glory,  not  thine  own, 

Which  thou  doft  feek  when  all  is  done  ? 


Text  liu.    Watch  thou  in  all  things. 
2  Tim.  iv.  5. 

M  AY  we  in  all  things  watchful  be, 
And  ftand  moft  ftedfaft  on  our  guard  5 

And  from  enfnaring  objedts  flee, 

Which  tempt  us  to  difpieafe  the  Lord. 

May  we  be  cautious  with  concern, 
Left  proud  ambition  fwell  the  heart ; 

L?c  humble  lowiinefs  dildain 

To  ait  the  haughty  fcorncrY  part. 


EVANGELIC  POETRY,  155 


In  ail  the  duties  we  purfue, 

This  duty  muft  our  a&ions  guide, 
To  have  God's  glory  in  our  view, 

And  watch,  left  (elf  turn  us  afide.' 
To  watch  our  words  and  thoughts  aright. 

Requires  much  diligence  and  pain  : 
Since  all  we  do  is  in  God*s  fight, 

A  conftant  watch  let  us  maintain/ 

The  watchful  and  the  praying  faint, 
Who  makes  God's  glory  his.  chief  aim* 

Will  work  for  God,  and  will  not  faint ; 
Work  can't  be  loft,  done  for  his  name. 


Tjext  li  v.    That  I  may  caufe  thofe  that  lov$. 
me  to  inherit  fujbfiance*    Proy.  YHt.  21. 

Substantial  joy  thofe  fouls  poffefs; 

Who  love  the  Lord  with  all  their  heart  1 
Their  heav'nly  treafure  God  will  blefs, 
And  in  the  bounties  of  his  grace 

They  largely  (hare  a  noble  part* 
Which  ftiall  eternity  endure. 

But  this  divine,  this  heav'nly  joy, 
Imply'd  in  union,  can't  be  known 

By  thofe  who  do  not  feel  that  love 

Which  joins  the  foul  to  God  above, 
Thro'  his  rich  grace  in  Chrift  his  Son; 

Who  gives  believers  all  their  peace. 

Let  all  purfue  the  heav'nly  prise, 

The  lot  of  thofe  who  love  God's  name, 

And  thus  enjoy  an  heavily  mind, 

To. 


i$6      EVANGELIC  POETRY/ 


To  God  the  only  good  inclined. 

And  make  his  grace  a  conitaat  theme9 
^Waiting  to  go  to  p£rfe&  reli 

Reft  to  the  faints  in  Heav'n  remains, 
*  Where  perfectly  God's  will  is  done  * 
As  they,  in  love,  God's  will  approve, ; 
They  do  enjoy  What  God  doth  love, 
1  Joy  in  the  heav'nly  fcene  made  knownl 
LThe  (ubftance  of  eternal  blifs.  1 


$ext  lv.    Good  News.    Erov.  xxv.  25; 

G'  ■     t  p 
OOD  news  the  gofpel  tell*, 
"While  it  to  man  reveals 
A  pard'ning  God,  a  Saviour  kind  § 
I  t  f peaks  of  holy  joys, 
In  Chrift^s  inviting  voice, 
To  com?,  and  tafte,  and  pleafure  find, 

Pardon  in  gofpel  grace, 

In  the  Redeemer's  face, 
Is  founded  freely  all  abroad, 
k  And  in  God's  grace,  fo  free, 

Signers  may  fayed  be. 
And  fing  falvation  in  bur  God. 

Men  who  deferve  to  die, 

May  ndw  for  refuge  fly 
To  the  exalted  Saviour's  arms  % 

A  plenitude  of  room, 

Is  found  for  all  who  come  •, 
His  fmil.es  havelwect  and  powerful  charms. 

Let 


£y ANGELIC  POETRY.  157 

Let  all  from  fin  depart, 

With  an  unfeigned  heart, 
Refolv'd  no  more  to  pierce  the  Lord  j 

Who'now,  high  on  his  throne, 

Once  for  our  fins  did  groan, 
Now  all  we  want  he  can  afford. 


Text  lvi.    Being  jujlified  by  bis  Grace; 
Titus  hi.  7. 

IBeHOLD  how  rick  h^w  free,  the  grace, 
Which  God  Ihows  in  the  Saviour's  face ! 
He  faves,  he  juftifies  ialone, 
|n  the  rich  merits  of  his  Son. 

Here  God  makes  known  a  glorious  way,v 
How  finners,  who  have  gone  aftray, 
May  turn  to  him,  and  fo  obtain 
Freedom  from  fin,  from  fhame,  and  pain: 

By  grace,  he  forms  the  heart  anew  j 
By  grace,  he  doth  our  fins  fubdue ; 
He  turns  the  rebels,  by  his  grace, 
To  paths  of  holinefs  and  peace. 

Free  grace  is  rich,  and  great  indeed, 
And  doth  by  far  our  praife  exceed  ; 
That  muft  be  grace  which  kindly  grants 
Pardon  to  humble  penitents. 

The  hope  of  life  at  God's  right  hand,' 
Doth  on  the  truth  in  jefus  ftand ; 
Forgiving  grace,  foundation  lays, 
Jor  fangs  of  cverlafting  praife. 

Ma^ 


i|8      EVANGELIC  POETRY^ 

May  hope^  well  grounded,  daily  rife. 
To  facred  joy  beyond  the  fkies  ; 
In  God  our  Saviour,  may  we  find 
A  pard'ning  God,  a  Saviour  kind. 


Text  lvii.    Chrifi  who  is  our  Life 
Col.  iij.  4. 

Christ  is  the  life  of  all  his  faints  % 

They  life  in  him  obtain ; 
His  fpirit,  life  unto  them  grants  1 

He  for  their  life  was  flain. 

In  him  they  live,  on  food  divine; 

Which  doth  fupport  afford  5 
yf  iih  Chrift,  their  fouls  in  union  joinj 

In  his  dear  flefti  and  blood. 

kWhen  Chrift,  their  life,  in  glory  comes,; 

And  they  with  him  appear, 
Life  they  receive,  when  from  their  tomb$ 

They  his  bright  image  bear. 

LWhen  Chrift  his  fplendor  will  difplay. 
And  faints  their  fears  forfake, 

In  glories  of  that  folemn  day 
They  glorious  life  partake. 

^That  glorious  day  of  life  and  reft, 

To  folPwers  of  the  lamb, 
jWill  make  them  all  fn  Jefus  bleft. 

For  blifs  they  blefs  his  name. 

Infinite  life,  and  glory,  fhow 
The  glory  of  the  King  $ 


That 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  i& 


That  joy  which  all  his  members  know, 
Will  glory  to  him  bring. 


Txst  lviii.    Great  Wonder  in  HeavtK 
Rev.  xii.  i. 

An  heav'nly  fcene  behold  ! 

See  what  it  doth  unfold  ! 
Great  wonders  do  the  Church  furround  $ 

Her  Saviour's  righteoufnefs 

Provides  a  wond'rous  drefs, 
While  ihe  with  gofpel  truth  is  crown'd^ 

Surrounded  with  the  light, 

Like  fun  beams  fhining  bright, 
She  (hows  the  glory  of  her  King  j 

In  heav'aiy  drefs  fo  fair, 

Her  lucid  robes  appear. 
And  praife  and  admiration  bring; 

Lo  !  in  this  pleafing  (late, 

The  world's  beneath  her  feer, 
Like  Jewifh  fhades,  or  Gentile  toys* 

This  world  is  like  the  moon, 

Unfeen  at  blazing  noon, 
Nor  light  affords,  nor  eye  employs.' 

The  truth  which  in  Chrift's  name 

Apoftles  did  proclaim, 
Like  gems  doth  crown  the  Church's  head  % 

Thus  the  true  Church  doth  Ihine, 

When  (he  by  truth  divine 
In  ways  of  holinefs  is  led* 


Text  lix$' 


*6o      EVANGELIC  POETRY; 

Text  lix.    Abfiain  from  flejhly  Lufts  which 
war  againft  the  Soul,    i  p£T.  ii.  i  i. 

THOSE  who  admire  the  things  above. 

Have  fcenes  of  grief  below  j 
They  feek  to  feed  on  things  they  love, 

Nor  would  they  let  th£m  go : 

But  yet  agaihft  their  fouls  they  find 
Temptations  bold  and  ftrong  £ 

At  enemies  in  ranks  combin'd, 
Our  lufts  our  ways  do  throng. 

Our  fouls  would  dwell  oh  things  divine^ 

And  run  the  christian  race  ; 
Our  foes  would  all  their  influ'nee  join* 

To  ftop  the  heav'nly  pace. 

To  live  as  ftrangers  here  below, 
Doth  pleafe  an  heav'nly  mind  % 

To  vanity*  and  death  purfue, 
The  fkfii  is  ftill  inclinU 

From  flefhly  luft  we  muft  abftain,* 

By  fin-fiibduing  grace  ; 
If  in  the  heart  they  live  and  reign, 

The  foul  can  have  no  peace* 

Text  lx.    Give,  give.    Prov.  xxx.  if 

HOW  is  the  anxious  foul  befool'd, 
LTo  think  a  fever  may  be  cool'd 

With  burning  coals,  or  flaming  fire  ? 
Or  think  the  world  at  its  requefty 
Will  freely  give  a  fixed  reft, 

$nd  fatuty  its  vaft  defire  ? 

Let 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  tU 


Let  art,  her  fqbtle  plots  projeft, 
And  failing  fortune  then  perfect 

What  art  profoundly  firft  began  ; 
Let  frauds  and  tafte  their  ikill  improve^ 
To  give  delight  in  worldly  love, 

Thefe  cannot  make  a  happy  man.* 

When  wealth  com£s  by  the  careful  handj' 
And  gold  increafes  like  the  fand, 

The  foul,  then  far  from  reft*  would  fin^ 
Some  greater  good  to  caM  her  own* 
Which  is  to  her  as  yet  unknown, 

To  feed  and  pleafe  the  reft  lets  mind; 

Great  mammotii  the  fool's  paradife, 
Is  made  a  ftage  of  grief  arid  vice, 

From  which  true  joy  cannot  proceed  i 
Pleafure  h  fotJght  in  her  in  vain, 
Her  bufy  fons,  with  toil  and  paini 

In  her  can't  find  the  good  they  rieedi 


Text  lxi.    Te  received  the  IVord  cf  God. 
i  Thes.  xi.  13. 

THANKS  to  the  Lord  b?  paid* 

For  light  and  trnth  difplay'd 
In  the  fuccefs  of  his  good  word  $ 

When  chofen  fervants  dear, 

The  gofpel  did  declare, 
And  fouls  were  brought  to  o#n  the  Lord, 

The  gofpePs  facrcd  plan, 
Was  not  devis'd  by  man, 
But  God  reveila  this  glorious  grace  ; 

X  Thofe 


1 62      EVANGELIC  POETRY, 


Thofe,  who  the  truth  believe, 
Do  Chrift  by  faith  receive, 
And  blefs  the  Lord  with  fongs  of  praif*. 

Thofe  who  rejoice  in  God, 

Find  new  joy  in  his  word  5 
The  joy,  the  light,  is  all  divine  ; 

Truth  fealed  in  the  heart, 

By  God's  own  hand  is  wrought, 
As  God's  own  witnefs  there  doth  fhine. 


Text  lxii.    When  wilt  thou  comfort  me? 
Psalm  cxix.  28. 

How  are  my  eyes  o'erwhelm'd  in  tears, 
While  for  thy  word  they  fail  ? 

How  many  are  my  groans  and  fears, 
While  gloomy  thoughts  prevail  ? 

My  longing  foul  within  me  cries, 
c<  When  wilt  thou  comfort  me  ? 

When  (hall  thy  light  upon  me  rife* 
And  make  this  darknefs  flee  ? 

When  (hall  the  cordials  of  thy  word, 
Heal  and  rcfrefh  my  wound  ? 

When  wilt  thou  help  to  me  afford, 
And  all  my  fins  confound  ? 

When  fhall  my  eyes  thy  face  behold, 

In  thy  good  word  divine, 
And  thofe  fweet  myfteries  unfold, 

Unto  this  foul  of  mine  ? 
May  I  thofe  true  delights  enjoy, 

Which  in  thy  word  appear  \ 

Then 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  163 


Then  will  it  be  my  fwect  employ, 
To  feek  my  comfort  there. 

O  !  may  I  tafte,  and  hunger  more, 

For  what  thou  doft  bellow* 
And  find  the  fulnefs  of  that  ftore, 

Which  feeds  thy  faints  below. 

Thy  word  of  truth,  how  bright  it  lhincs  I 

Thy  promifes,  how  kind  ! 
Thy  grace  can  pardon  all  my  fins, 

And  purify  my  mind." 


Text  lxiii.    Tet  always  njoicingl 
2  Cor.  vi.  to. 

Blest  is  the  godly  man,  who  gains 
By  all  the  loffes  he  fuftains, 
And  when  he  mod  doth  (land  in  need, 
He  doth  upon  a  fulnefs  feed. 

When  difappointments  him  attend, 
He  doth  fucceed  bed  in  the  end, 
And  by  his  folly  wifer  grows, 
By  knowing  that  he  nothing  knows: 

He  doth  the  brighteft  dawnings  find, 
In  fcenes  in  which  he  is  moft  blind  j 
He  makes  the  greateft  progrefs,  when 
He  fees  his  race  is  to  begin. 

He  lives  upon  his  daily  breath, 
And  finds  his  fwetteft  life  in  death  j 
Indeed,  with  joy  he  doth  forbear 
A&ions  and  ways  which  plcafant  are. 

Text  lxiv; 


|f4      EVANGELIC  POETRY. 


Text  lxiv,    Who  comfortetb  us  in  all  m 
Tribulation.    2  Cor;  j.  4. 

Jn  every  dark  and  grievous'  fcene, 

Whic|i  in  my  pilgrimage  I  find, 
May  grace  triumphant  reign  within, 

And  guide  and  cheer  my  drooping  mind. 
In  all  my  wants,  I've  none  fo  great 

As  thofe  which  do  concern  my  foul  s 
May  Chrift  be  truly  my  delight. 

And  all  my  powers  and  paflions  rule. 

When  I  have  him,  what  can  I  need  ? 

Aad  when  without  him,  what  have  1 1 
He  muft  be  rich,  and  free  Indeed, 

Who  can  and  will  spy  wants  f apply; 

kThe  treafurc  which  to  me  belongs, 
When  Chrift  my  only  portion  is, 

Exceeds  the  fame  of  angels  tongues, 

And  all  my  thoughts  and  hopes  furpafs: 

Q  may  it  be  my  conftant  aim, 

To  peace  with  Chrift,  my  Lord,maintain  ! 
May  he,  whom  all  ougi.t  to  efteem, 

Within  my  heart  as  fav'reign  reign  ! 


Tixr  lxv.    Having  a  DeJIre  to  depart  aqc^ 
be  with  Chrift.    Phil.  i.  23. 

NOTHING  can  raije  my  comforts  higher. 
Than  joy  in  Chrift,  my  hearth  deiire  : 
How  glad,  O.  Lord,  my  fool  would  be, 
Might  t  arife  and  dwell  with  iheel 

Am 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  165 

Sm  I  in  trouble,  or  in  reft, 
This  is  my  wifh,  my  laft  requefi^ 
Set  me  from  earthly  trouble  free, 
Still  i  defire  to  be  with  thee. 

J5ut  how  fhall  I  this  good  obtain  ? 
The  flefti  will  prove  an  heavy  chains 
The  Spirit  wifhts  to  be  free, 
And  in  that  freedom  bound  to  thee.' 

I  grieve,  bec^ufe  I  find  I  muft 
Be  ftiackled  with  this  heavy  duft ; 
Might  I  but  have  my  liberty, 
Soon  would  I  fly  and  be  with  thee. 

But  while  it  is  thy  bleffed  mind 
That  I  be  to  the  fc>ady  join'd, 
Patience  I'll  make  my  remedy, 
j  Till  t  may  die,  and  go  to  thee; 

Text  lxvl    That  the  Power  of  Cbrtftmay 
reft  upon  me.    2  Cor.  xii.  9. 

When  Chrift  doth  grant  his  aid  to  me, 

1  then  can  courage  take; 
ynlefs  he  guide  me  in  his  way, 

No  progrefs  can  I  make. 

When  his  kind  love  he  doth  impair, 

And  give  my  foul  relief, 
I  find  his  ftrength  can  cheer  my  heart, 

And  dry  my  tears  of  grief. 

But  when  my  heart  is  cold  and  dull, 
.And  ft^ngfely  goes  aftray  j 

Whea 


166      EVANGELIC  POETRY. 


When  love  moves  faintly  in  my  foul, 
And  thoughts  of  Chrift  decay  : 

Then,  where  can  I  for  comfort  go? 

In  fin,  Pm  fure  there's  none  j 
Unlefs  in  Chrift  I  comfort  know, 

I  wiih  all  comfort  gone. 
But,  weak,  I  to  Chrift  may  repair, 

And  have  my  wants  iupply'd, 
And  will  improve  the  ftrength  which  ther* 

He  doth  by  grace  provide. 


Text  lxvii.    Draw  near  with  a  truelhart* 
Heb.  x.  22. 

Lord,  what  a  heart  is  this  in  me, 
Which  I  attempt  to  bring  to  thee  ? 
Vile  as  it  is,  do  thou  it  take, 
And  for  thyfelf  it  holy  make. 

Scarce  can  I  raifc  my  thoughts  on  high, 
But  foon  from  thee  they  feek  to  fly  \ 
Strangely  I  lofe  the  things  I  prize, 
By  wand'ring  feet,  and  wandering  eyes. 

Would  Angels,  who  on  high  abide, 
Be  free  to  lay  their  harps  afide, 
And  then  their  hearts  and  tongues  employ 
In  worldly  fcenes  and  worldly  joy  ? 

They  do  in  happy  union  join, 
To  praife  a  Being  all  divine, 
And  in  the  heavenly  fphere  do  move, 
In  fcenes  which  all  excite  their  love. 

-  A"  - 

Lord, 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  167 


Lord,  wean  my  heart  from  things  below, 
Thou  who  doft  all  my  weaknefs  know* 
And  when  from  thee  I  go  aftray, 
Reftore  me  to  thy  pleaiant  way. 

I  can  draw  near  with  a  true  heart, 
When  thou  doft  truth  and  love  impart ; 
Unlefs  thy  grace  my  heart  repair, 
My  fins  will  reign  and  dictate  there. 


Text  lxviii.    Bui  I  obtained  Mercy. 
1  Tim.  1.  13. 

I  DO  by  fweet  experience  find, 
God  in  his  mercy  always  kind  : 
Sprinkled  with  mercy  from  above, 
My  foul  is  all  bedew'd  with  lave. 

The  greateft  joy  I  find  while  here, 
Doth  in  God's  pard'riing  grace  appear  % 
Nothing  fuch  pleafure  can  afford, 
As  mercy  in  the  love  of  God. 

God's  healing  mercy  through  his  Son, 
Can  cure  the  ill  my  fins  have  done  | 
My  ftxameiul  fins  1  can't  endure; 
In  hell  no  pain  would  grieve  me  more. 

Should  ev'ry  good  from  me  depart, 
And  forrows  rife  to  break  my  heart, 
They  never  can  make  me  complain, 
If  love  within  my  heart  may  teign. 

Should  juftice  doom  mt  down  co  hell, 
Where  1  tor  fin  dtfervc  to  dwell 


m      EVANGELIC  POET&¥i 


My  foul  for  nothing  there  would  mourn^ 
But  this*  alas !  from  God Tm  gone. 
I  then  could  tell  the  faints  on  high, 
That  with  them  I  could  pleafure  vie  ; 
If  I  true  holinefs  might  fhare* 
My  joy  with  theirs  might  then  compare; 


Text  lxiX.    Refrefhed  by  tbect  Brother, 
Philemon,  7. 

GREAT  is  the  joy  the  faithful  find* 

In  a£U  of  mutual  love, 
When  grace  unites  each  pious  mind* 

Like  fellowfhip  above. 

The  fouls  of  faints  great  joy  receive. 

Refreshed  by  each  other, 
When  Charity  the  name  doth  give 

Of  a  dear  Chriftian  Brother* 

May  all,  who  truly  love  the  Lord* 

Li  love  united- be ; 
Thus  they  are  helpers  Heaven- ward* 

And  in  Chrift's  name  agree. 

But  when  profefibrs  of  Chrift's  name 

Walk  in  an  empty  ftiow, 
They  do  expofe  his  caufe  to  fliame, 

True  love  they  do  not  know. 

When  they  the  laws  of  Chrift  defpife* 

Nor  will  his  ways  adorn, 
No  wonder  if  contentions  rife, 

And  they  be  trodden  down. 

Text  £xx; 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  169 


Tixt  lxx.    Cleave  unto  the  Lord.  Joshua 
xxiii,  8. 

May  all  God*s  faints,  with  willing  minJ,' 

Efteem  his  holy  law  1 
Then  they  fhall  by  experience  finda 

That  he  their  fouls  doth  draw. 

That  love  to  God*  which  now  they  kno#; 

Will  iaft  beyond  the  grave  , 
They  forward  in  obedience  go  • 

The  Lord  their  fouls  will  fave; 

The  tokens  of  God's  fpecial  grace; 

Which  by  the  faints  are  known* 
Give  them  true  joy  in  his  good  ways; 

Ways*  which  they  gladly  own. 

Let  willing  minds  in  us  be  found, 
Who  now  God's  bleffmgs  fhare  3 

As  we  by  him  wifh  to  be  Own'd, 
Let  us  fcrve  him  in  fear. 

Cleave  to  the  Lord*  for  he  is  good  % 

In  him  the  foul  is  bled  ; 
Jefus  has  edtei'd,  by  his  blood, 

Into  the  heav'nly  reft. 

By  faith,  we  muft  cleave  to  him  now* 

If  with  him  we  would  dwell; 
Qur  fouls  may  freely  to  him  go  , 

Fie  can  fupport  us  well* 


X  Text  lxzi; 


170      EVANGELIC  POETRY.1 


Text  lxxi.    The  Sentence  of  Death  in  our* 


v^UICKLY  muft  I  complete  my  race; 
My  fleeting  days  go  off  apace  $ 
Short  is  the  fime  of  rny  abode  ; 
To  death  I  daily  tread  the  road. 

My  days  in  hafte  a^ay  do  flee  ; 
My  tongue  muft  fhortiy  filent  be  ; 
When  I  behold  things  here  below, 
They  are  not  long  for  me,  I  know, 

How  foon  muft  I  be  called  away, 
And  to  the  duft  commit  thii  clay  ! 
Muft  leave  all  fading  comforts  here, 
And  on  the  ftage ^o  more  appear ! 

Is  this  the  date  of  feeble  man  ? 
Why  then  fhould  trifles,  fhort  and  vain, 
Pofltfs  a  foul  which  muft  endure 
When  things  of  time  lhall  be  no  more  ? 

Lord,  may  my  foul  thy  call  obey; 
And  when  the  duft  receives  this  clay, 
May  I,  in  elevating  love, 
Go  to  the  joys  which  are  above. 


Text  lxxii.    She  {hall  not  find  her  Paths. 
Hosea  II.  6. 

THE  needle,  by  magnetic  powV, 
Points  to  the  pole,  and  gives  the  hour ; 
And,  reftlefs,  turns  from  fide  to  fldra 
'Till  lixed  points  become  its  guide. 


felves.    2  Cok.  i.  9. 


Juft 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  171 


Juft  fo  the  foul  ii  here  and  there, 
PlungM  in  anxiety  and  care, 
On  things  which  feem  to  give  delighr, 
But  foon  are  loathfome  to  the  fight. 

She  would  fome  pleafure  in  them  take, 
But  grief  and  toil  they  for  her  make-, 
Flatter'd  with  hopes,  both  falfe  and  vain, 
Her  fond  purfuits  increaie  her  pain. 

Weary  withfeeking,  back  flie  turns, 
And  for  an  abfent  Gud  Ihe  mourns : 
Tir'd  with  thefe  empty  toys  Below, 
She  weeps  to  think  (he  fought  them  foV 

She  fees  (he  loft  fublimer  good, 
While  (he  her  vanities  purfuM  : 
M  Where  is  my  God  ?"  (he  then  doth  cry; 
11  Unlefs  I  find  him,  I  muft  die." 

Love,  as  a  load  (tone,  touchM  the  foul ; 
She  points  to  God,  as  to  the  pole  : 
Love,  by  divine  atcra&ion,  brings 
Her  aim  to  be  at  heav'nly  things. 

Mod  holy  God,  thou  only  arc 
A  centre  for  my  reftlefs  heart  • 
Fcam  the?,  the  centre  of  my  love, 
Let  me  not  once  attempt  to  move. 

Text  lxxiii,   Happy  is  be.   Prov.xyi.  20; 

HAPPY  the  man,  whofe  daily  truft 
fs  on  his  Maker's  arm  alone  ; 

God  will  fupport  and  fave  the  juft ; 
Mercy  attends  them  from  his  throne. 

Safety 


%j%      EVANGELIC  FOETRf. 


Safety  and  joy  will  them  attend, 

Amid  their  troubles  here  below  % 
Their  Qod,  on  whorn  they  do  depend. 

All  good  upon  them  will  beftow. 
Their  faith  will  give  them  fweet  repofe. 

Which  in  the  bleffsd  God  they  place  $ 
'Fheir  confidence  they  fliall  not  !ofe  % 

From  God  they  have  fupply  cf  grace. 

Lord,  grant  that  I  may  truft  in  thee. 
And  on  thy  goodnefs  daily  wait  $ 

All  needed  mercy  fend  to  me  j 

Thy  mercy,  and  my  fins,  are  greatT 

Thy  powV  is  always  ftilj  the  fame* 

Thro' light  and  darknefs,  grief  and  joy  % 

My  fafcft  guard  is  in  thy  arm  y 
Thy  fervice  is  my  beft  employ; 


Text  l%xiy.    Seek  ibofe.  Things  which  art 
above.    Col.  hi,  i. 

1  O  things  which  are  above, 

Let  our  affeftions  naove, 
Fop  Cbrift,  our  glorious  King,  there  reigns  y 

Be  there,  each  ftrong  defi<e* 

Souls,which  to  him  afpire 
May  fing  hjs  losfe  in  lofty  ft*aifij|f 

A  vain  ani  empty  (how, 
Are  objefts  here  below, 
And  to  the  foul  may  fatal  proycj 


True 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  173 


True  pleafure  for  the  mind. 
Is  pure,  qnd  well  reSn'd, 
In  ftreams  of  endlefs  joy  above 

Scenes  of  inviting  grace, 

In  the  Redeemer's  face, 
May  mak?  our  fouls  with  joy  explore 

The  manfions  ChrffiT  prepares, 

For  all  his  chofen  heirs, 
Who  may  rejoice  forcverraorCt 

If  Heaven  gives  real  joy, 

Which  will  the  foul  employ 
In  blifs,  in  one  eternal  round, 

Their  fouls,  while  here  below, 

May  figh,  and  wifti  to  go 
Adhere  they  may  walk  Immanuel's  ground! 


Text  lxxv.  P offering allTbings.  2Cor.vi  10. 

Nothing  can  more  delight  the  mind, 

When  troubles  do  arife, 
Than  to  furmount  things  here  below, 

For  joy  above  the  fkies. 

Are  earthly  things  from  us  withheld, 

Do  worldly  comforts  ceafe, 
If  we  a  portion  have  in  God, 

We  then  have  real  peace. 

Thus  the  true  fervants  of  the  Lord, 

Can  in  their  God  confide, 
Though  fading  treafure  of  this  life 

May  be  to  them  deny*d. 


Thofe 


174      EVANGELIC  POETRY. 


Thofe  treafures  which  enrich  the  foul 

Are  cffVd  to  u*  now  • 
Salvation  may  be  had  in  God,- 

And  not  in  things  below. 
Now  in  our  Saviour,  Chrift  the  Lord, 

We  facredjoy  may  find  ; 
And  in  him  only  may  be  found, 

Pure  tieafures  for  the  mind. 


Text  lxxvi.    Tbey  are  Men  wondered  at. 
ZtcH.  in.  8. 

My  foul  on  every  fide  befet. 

Lies  in  the  duft,  and  mounts  on  high  ; 
I  ftrongly  feek  the  things  I  hate, 

And  wifh  to  bring  my  forrows  nigh. 

I  love  to  fee  the  Saviour  fnine, 

And  yet  in  darknefs  choofe  to  go; 

I  pant,  I  long  for  life  divine, 

And  ftiil  the  ways  of  death  purfue. 

I  fee  how  empty  all  things  are, 

And  yet  with  them  I  love  to  dwell  •> 

To  Heav'n  1  fend  my  warm  defire, 
Yet  roll  in  fins  as  black  as  hell. 

I  love  to  hover  near  my  God, 

And  yet  I  loon  am  from  him  gone ; 

With  Chrift  I  make  a  fweet  abode, 
Ahho'  his  face  I  often  fhun. 

\Vith  joy  I  meet  contempt  and  fcorn, 
But  at  reproach  I  foon  regret  j 

I  dare 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  175 


I  dare  defy  the  (coffer's  frown, 
Yet  (landers  never  wifh  to  meet. 


Text  lxxvh.  Seektbemnot*  JeR*xi/v#5i 

In  things  below,  I  plainly  fee 
How  they  have  oft  deceived  me  ; 
In  vain  I  feek  to  fill  the  mind 
With  empty  chaff,  and  fleeting  wind.; 

Lord,  in  thy  creatures  thou  art  feen, 
In  plants  and  birds,  and  b^afts  and  men  5 
Thy  hand  fupports  them,  and  they  fhow 
What  thy  almighty  pow*r  caa  do. 

Thy  uncreated  pow*r  around, 

Hath  all  thy  works  with  beauty  crowa*d$ 

Unto  thy  name  \%  glory  due, 

In  all  thy  work*  which  I  do  vtewJ 

But  if  I  don't  thy  beauty  fee, 
In  creatures  which  were  made  by  theef 
Then  they  no  beauty  can  afford  j 
Beauty  is  only  to  the  Lord. 

Men,  in  th^ir  firss,  and  void  of  grace, 
On  things  of  time  their  hope*  do  place; 
While  they  their  hearts  do  thus  employ, 
They  are  remote  from  folid  joy. 
While  in  their  hearts  the  world  doth  reign^ 
More  empty,  needlefs  care  they  gain  ; 
With  things  below,  their  minds  are  fed, 
And  thus  are  to  deftru&idn  led. 


tj6      EVANGELIC  POETRY/ 


Text  lxxviii.     I  was  in  ibe  Spirit  en  the 
Lord's  Day.    Rev.  i.  io. 

COME  thou5my  foul,  with  all  thy  pow*rf* 
Bid  welcome  to  God's  bleffed  day  ; 

^The  day  ori  which  the  Saviour  rcfe; 
This  day*  the  tomb  did  him  obey. 

This  day,  the  great  Redeemer  fhows, 
The  grave  its  prey  can't  always  keep% 

For  he,  who  on  this  day  arofe, 

Is  the  firft.  fruit  cf  thofe  who  fleep. 

Did  Jsfus  fiiow  his  pow'r  this  day, 

In  rifing  from  his  dufty  bed  ? 
Will  he,  who  is  afcended  high, 

At  laft  appear  to  raife  the  dead  ? 

May  this  good  day  our  thoughts  employ* 
In  reference  to  an  endlefs  reft-, 

May  we  efteem,  with  folemn  joy, 

This  facred  day  which  God  hath  blcft. 

May  we,  while  here,  fome  foretafte  gain, 
Of  joy  not  found  in  things  beiow, 

And  knowledge  of  the  Lord  obtain, 
Who  refurre&ion  pow'r  doth  fhow. 

We  know  the  Saviour's  pow'r  divine, 
When  we  by  faith  his  glory  view, 

When  truth,  like  morning  rays,  doth  fiiine^ 
To  form  our  fpirits  all  anew. 


Text  lxxix^ 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  177 


Text  Lxxtx.    That  1  may  win  Cbr$. 
PkiL.  iii.  8. 

Dear  Jefus,  how  divinely  fwcet 
,  Thy  kind,  embraces  are, 
Which  ail  thy  welcome  friends  do  geti 
Who  unto  thee  draw  near. 

To  have  communion  with  my  Lord* 

Is  mod  delegable ; 
The  joy  thy  vifits  do  afford^ 

All  interviews  excel. 

True  loVe  to  thee  doth  cleanfe  my  foul^ 
Thy  beauty  makes  it  bright  • 

Thy  garments  hem  can  make  due  whole;' 
Thy  clay  reftore  my  fight. 

A  nuptial  match  with  thee  will  make 

My  foul  a  virgin  fair  % 
A  ftroke  which  my  hard  heart  will  breaks 

My  ruins  Will  repair. 

A  frown  from  thee  deftroys  my  peace; 

My  foul  can't  it  endure ; 
Yet  when  thy  frowns  are  on  thy  face* 

My  foul  is  ftill  fecure. 

What  I  receive  from  thee,  X  prize* 

I  love  to  truft  in  thee ; 
I  give  my  all  to  thee  likewife* 

When  I  chy  glory  fee. 


z 


178       EVANGELIC  POETRY. 

Text  lxxx.    Ajufi Man  falkth /even  Timef, 
and  rifeth  up  again.    Prov.  xxiv.  16. 

When  the  bold  tempter  doth  his  moft* 
To  fhake  the  (landing  of  the  juft, 
And  feeks  to  triumph  in  their  fall, 
They  fhail  be  vidiors  after  all. 

The  tempter's  boaftings  all  are  vain, 
Againft  their  falls  who  rife  again ; 
Though  he  againft  them  roars,  yet  they 
Shall  like  brave  champions  v/in  the  day. 

Where  is  the  ground  cf  boafting,  then  ? 
Doth  it  belong  to  feeble  men, 
Who  have  thofe  falls  which  make  them  fear 
The  bold  enraged  tempter's  war  ? 

The  ftrength  of  creatures  cannot  claim 
The  honour  of  vidtorious  fame, 
Which  crowned  conq'rors  do  receive. 
Who  in  the  Church  triumphant  live. 

The  praife  of  vidl'ry  all  belongs 

To  Zion's  King,  in  joyful  fongs ; 

Eternal  honours  to  him  flow, 

By  whom  his  faints  their  conqueft  know.* 


Text  lxxxi.    What  I  do ,  then  knowji  not 
now.    John  xiii.  7. 

LiORD,  let  me  not  difpute  thy  will, 

Or  faithfulnefs  rniftrufl  ; 
I  know  that  thou  doft  all  things  well, 

And  all  thy  ways  are  juft  : 

Although 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  179 


Although  the  dealings  cf  thy  hand 

May  a  great  wonder  be, 
So  that  I  cannot  underftand 

What  is  well  known  to  thee. 

Infinite  wifdom  doth  perform 
What  all  thy  works  difplay  5 

Then  never  let  a  feeble  worm 
Thy  precepts  difobey. 

Whatever,  Lord,  thou  doft  deny. 

This  of  thee  I  requeft, 
That  1  thy  prefence  may  enjoy, 

And  then  I  fhall  have  reft. 

If  I  have  thee,  what  can  caufe  grief^ 
Or  make  my  fsul  afraid  ? 

Thy  prefence  can  afford  relief, 
When  I  am  fore  difmay'd. 


Tixt  {.xxxii,  There  is  no  Enchantment  again]* 
Jacob*    Num.  xxiii.  23. 

How  vain  are  all  the  bold  efforts* 
Which  Z ion's  foes  do  make  ?  ' 

God  will  confound  the  crafty  plots; 

And  meafures  which  they  take.  ] 

When  he  appears  refolv -d  to  favc 

His  people  by  his  hand, 
Protedtion  in  him  they  will  have, 

Though  foes  infulting  ftand. 

Though  they  appear  in  fpite  and  charm; 
They  find  there  is  no  pow'ir 

u 


I  So      EVANGELIC  POETRYc 


In  all  created  ftrcngtb,  to  harm 
Where  God  doth  mzkt  fecure. 

The  Lord  will  fave  his  hidden  ones* 
And  hell's  defigns  will  blaft  ; 

His  faithful  fervants  and  his  fon$f 
Will  from  him  never  c^ft. 

Then  let  us  feek  that  help  from  Ged* 
Which  he  affords  his  faints, 

That  he  may  keep  us  in  his  road, 
And  well  fupply  our  wants. 


Tixt  Lxxxm.    That  Cbrift  mas  dwzU  injcut^ 
Htarts.    Eph,  hi.  17, 

When  Je/us  fills  my  heart  with  love,. 
How  facet  doth  all  his  fervice  prove  I 
In  anguifh,  he  can  give  me  eafe  j 
In  forrows,  make  my  troubles  ceafe. 

Strength  in  him  always  doth  remains 
Through  him  my  foul  can  courage  gain  | 
Sotne  near  approaches  at  his  feet 
Will  make  communion  with  him  fweet. 

He  makes  me  tefte  his  love  below, 
While  through  this  wilderhefs  I  go-; 
What  heart  refrefhment  do  I  find. 
In  being  to  his  will  refign'd  I 

If  in  him  now  fuchjoy  is  known, 
When  he  fetid*  his  kind  prefenre  down. 
How  joyful  is  that  bleffed  plaoe' 
Where  Beav'n  bonvfouUd^eH  nesr  his  face! 


O  whea 


evangelic  poetry,  m 

Q  when  (hall  my  poor  foul  be  found 
With  life  and  endltfs  pleafore  crownM  ! 
Enjoy  thole  pleaiures  well  rtfin'd, 
And  leave  a  tempting  world  behind  1 


Text  lxxxiv,  GrowinGrace.  iFttAil.1%. 

A  Great  and  folemn  wo*  k 

Attends  us  all  our  days ; 
We  many  trials  mud  engage, 

To  grow  in  ev sry  grace. 

We  muft  not  flothful  be, 

Becaufe  the  tafk  is  hard  ; 
Nor  by  discouragements  to  lofe 

Advances  Heavenward, 

But  with  a  love  fupreme 

To  Chrift  and  things  divine  ; 
May  we  a  conftant  Watch  maintain, 

Left  we  in  love  decline. 

The  glorious  gofpel  fcene. 

Invites  increafing  love; 
The  rightfeoufnefs  of  Chrift  on  high; 

Should  draw  our  hearti  above. 

Let  not  attainments  here, 

Excite  us  to  a  ftand  ; 
Put  may  our  fouls  feel  always  bound 

To  reach  the  heavenly  land. 
Tfhis  life  will  foon  be  gdne, 

And  teafons  be  no  more, 

Fof 


i&z       EVANGELIC  POETRY/ 

For  us  by  grace  to  ferve  the  Lord ; 
Come  feed  at  grace's  (lore. 


,Tixt  lxxxv.    Ye  cannot  do  the  Things  that 
ye  would.    Gal.  v.  17, 

LORD,  fhatl  the  vicious  feeds  of  hell 
Befuffer'd  in  my  heart  to  dwell  ? 
Muft  fin  within  my  foul  have  fway, 
And  lead  my  heart  from  thee  aftray  ? 

Can  I  endure  to.  be  a  flave 
To  fin,  the  word  of  foes  I  have  ? 
Muft  it  within  my  heart  appear 
As  king,  tq  reign  a  fov -reign  there  I 
Was  I  for  fin  a  fervant  made, 
That  it  by  me  fhould  be  obey'd ? 
Can  it  in  juftio?  once  pretend 
1  am  its  fervant,  or  its  friend  ? 

O  God,  my  King,  thou  well  deft  know^ 
That  I  my  fervice  to  thee  owe ; 
Then  let  it  be  my  whole  employ, 
;To  ferve  my  God  in  fear  and  joy, 

May  I  within  my  heart  poflefs 
An  ample  portion  of  thy  grace  j 
And  by  its  working  in  my  heart. 
May  I  aft  well  a  chriftian  part, 

Dear  Jejus,  thou  alone  canfl:  bring 
My  foul  to  ferve  thee  as  my  King  5 
Be  thou  my  fovVeign  to  maintain 
Within  my  heart  a  facred  reign. 

Text  lxxxvjI 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  i*j 


Text  lxxxvi.    Jgain/i  fpiritual  JVtckednefs: 

EPH.  VI.  12. 

ALAS!  how  far  my  foul  from  God, 
How  far  below  its  proper  reft, 

Were  thing?,  pcfieft  without  his  love, 
Defign'd  to  make  a  creature  bleft  ? 

Have  I  purfu'd  with  greateft  care, 
God's  love,  as  my  true  happinefs  ? 

Is  it  his  glory  I  prefer, 

To  all  I  am,  or  may  poffefs  ? 

Have  I  own'd  Chrift,  and  his  dear  crofs, 

His  fervice  never  to  forfake  ? 
May  I  his  pure  and  righteous  laws, 

For  kind  inftrudfcion  always  take. 

May  I  love  him,  who  lovely  is, 

And  lie  fubmiffive  to  his  feet, 
And  by  the  vifits  of  his  grace, 

Have  favours  from  his  mercy. feat: 

Sweet  is  the  grace  which  I  do  fing, 
When  Chrift  is  my  exalted  theme; 

Hofanna  to  the  glorious  King, 

Whofe  praife  the  heavenly  hoft  proclaim} 


Text  lxxx vii.   Ephraim  cmpajfetb  me  about 
with  Lies.    Hosea  xi  12. 

All  thofe  whofe  ways  are  mark'd  with 
Do  all  their  fervices  defile  ;  ( guile, 

And,  Ephraim  like,  with  a  vain  guife, 
Compafs  the  Lord  about  with  lies. 

With 


rS*      EVANGELIC  POETIlf  t 


With  a  vain  fhow,  the  hypocrite, 
In  facrcd  things  dare  ufe  deceit ; 
In  empty  forms,  will  vainly  try 
To  make  the  Lord  believe  a  lie. 

But  thofe  who  are  by  grace  fincer^ 
WJth  good  and  honed  hearts  appear^ 
Though  others  aft  by  lies  and  frauds 
Like  Judah,  they  do  rule  with  God. 

They  with  the  faints  do  faithf  ul  prove. 
As  heirs  of  grace  they  walk  in  lave  f 
In  ways  of  holiriefs  they're  found, 
Though  fin  in  others  doth  abound. 

The  caule  of  Chrift  is  their  concern, 
And  his  religion  will  adorn, 
And  for  the  faith  with  zeal  contend, 
When  it  hath  fcarce  a  faithful  friend. 


Tixt  lxxxviii.    Untoyou*  0  Men  I  I  call* 
Prov.  viii.  4. 

w  ISDGM  fends  forth  a  moving  call  \ 
Her  voice  proclaims  it  to  us  all ; 
O  come,  and  make  her  offers  fure, 
Left  we  fhould  have  her  calls  no  more. 

She  fpread  her  gracious  arms  abroad 
To  man,  a  rebel  to  his  God  ; 
She  calls  from  fin,  and  endlefs  woe  : 
When  fhe  invites,  come  let  us  go. 

Let  ?dl  the  fans  of  men  efteem 

The  tidings  which  fhe  doth  proclaim  ; 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  i#| 

Let  us  the  voice  of  Chrift  regard, 
Which  doth  dirtd  us  Heaven  ward. 

If  we  will  now  obey  his  voice. 

Our  fouls  may  in  his  grace  rejoice  % 

If  we  refufe  his  call  to  hear, 

We  may  of  happinefs  defpair. 

How  ftupid  are  the  fouls  of  men, 

While  they  purfue  the  ways  of  fin  ? 

The  dang'rous  ways  which  now  thsy  tread* 

Down  to  deftru&ion  daily  lead. 


Text  lxxxix.    As  many  as  I  leve>  I  rebuke; 
Rlv.  in.  19. 

jHEAR  what  the  great  Redeemer  fays, 
Concerning  his  peculiar  ones, 

Who  do  that  faith  and  love  poflefs, 
Which  makes  them  heirs  with  him  as  Sons : 

61  I'll  clothe  my  face  with  fad  rebukes, 

And  vifit  thofe  I  dearly  love ; 
With  my  chaftifing,  fmarting  ftrokes, 

I  will  their  faith  and  patience  prove.8* 

And  doth  the  Lord  in  wifdom  fee, 
That  it  is  beft  it  fnould  be  fo  ? 

That  his  own  children  chaften'd  be, 

To  wear*  their  hearts  from  things  below  ? 

Will  Jefus  make  his  chofen  feel 
The  ftroke  of  his  affii&ing  rod  ? 

Mull  faints  on  earth  in  trouble  dwell, 
tWhom  he  hath  wafhed  in  his  blood  ? 

A  a  Then 


i  $6      EVANGELIC  POETRY; 

Then  let  the  men,  who  are  hii  foes, 
Love  God,  and  for  their  fins  repent, 

Left  they  unto  eternal  woe, 

With  right'ous  frowns  be  quickly  Tent 


Text  xc.  Honour  the  King,   i  Pet.  ii.  i 

JeSUS,  the  glorious  King, 

Exalted  on  his  throne, 
Sees  cheerful  faints  and  angels  bring 

Their  fongs  to  praife  his  crown. 

He  took  our  feeble  flefh, 

A  crown  of  joy  to  gain  ; 
He  dy'd,  he  rofe,  he  went  to  blifs* 

As  Lord  of  all  to  reign* 

By  faith  he  trsuft  be  own'd, 
Though  he's  a  King  unfeen  5 

For  man  below  he  has  aton'd  ; 
He  muft  be  fervid  by  man. 

Honour  to  him  be  paid, 

Through  all  the  earth  abroad  ; 

By  thefe  whom  he  redeem'd  and  made^ 
Be  his  great  name  ador'd. 

He  once  appeared  defpis'd, 

Here  he  receiv'd  the  fcorn, 
And  now  he  is  to  honour  rais*d, 

Here  let  his  fame  be  known. 


^Text  xctt 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  187 


Tixt  xci.    There  is  no  Power  but  of  God. 
Rom.  xiii.  2. 

To  God  fqpreme,  all  powV  belongs. 
Here  on  his  footftool  (hown  ; 

Pow'r  to  create,  redeem,  and  fave, 
Is  in  the  Godhead  known. 

The  Son,  the  glorious  Lord  on  high, 

Ordained  is  to  reign  j 
His  righteous  fceptre  he  doth  fway, 

Nqr  bears  the  fword  in  vain. 

To  be  the  gtorious  Judge  at  laft, 

He  furely  will  appear  ; 
And  full  fubje&ion  to  his  law, 

God  doth  of  us  require. 

Thofe  who  this  Ruler's  word  defpife,1 
Which  heav *niy  rules  contain, 

Muft  know  they  do  refift  that  pow'r 
Which  did  the  King  ordain. 

T^ofe  who  againft  him  dare  rebel, 

Damnation  do  fecure \ 
The  great  Redeemer's  arm  is  ftrong, 

Cloth'd  with  almighty  pow'r. 


Textxcii.  A  marvellous  Thing.  John  ix.  30; 

JlM  works  made  known  by  Chrift  below, 
H2  to  mankind  did  clearly  fliow  i 
The  Father  fent  him  from  above, 
On  the  kind  mefTage  of  his  love. 


Amazing 


1 88      EVANGELIC  POET-RYV 


Amazing  guilt,  thofe  finners  load, 
Who  dare  defpife  th*  incarnate  God  | 
He  brought  credentials  from  on  hig-b> 
And  blazM  the  light  in  ev'ry  eye. 

O  wond'raus  folly  of  the  mind  ! 
By  which  the  (inner  is  inclined 
To  rays  of  Heaven's  glory  flight, 
iind  (hut  his  eyes  againft  the  light. 

While  Jews  of  Mofes  made  their  boaft, 
They  to  the  truth  he  wrote  were  loft, 
jMoftS  will  not  their  honour  own, 
While  they  rejtft  God's  only  Son. 

Ltt  none  ot  us,  like  ftubborn  Jnm^ 
The  glorious  light  of  life  refufe ; 
May  truth,  which  doth  in  Jtfus  falne, 
Unite  our  fouU  to  things  divine. 


Test  xciii.    He  will fave.    Zeph.  hi. 

Let  dangers  come,  and  troubles  fprifig^ 

If  God,  my  help,  is  near? 
My  fpul,  fecure  beneath  his  wing, 

Has  nothing  then  to  fear. 

Now  to  the  Lord,  who  is  mod  high. 

My  foul  I  do  refign  $ 
Lord,  'us  thy  right  I  can't  deny, 

I  love  to  have  it  thine. 

Now*  by  thy  grace,  I  own  thy  claim, 

And  unto  thee  will  live, 
While  I  ccnfefs  nry  (In  with  flume, 

By  which  I  ft  rayed  have. 

Lord, 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  189 


Lord,  thou  may  ft  juftly  hide  thy  face, 

And  leave  me  in  defpair$ 
But  as  thou  halt  a  throne  of  grace, 

I  to  thee  will  draw  near. 

Thou,  who  mod  rich  in  goodnefs  art, 
Through  thy  beloved  Son, 

Can  grace  to  wretched  fouls  impart, 
And  no  injoftice  done. 

lylay  it  be  pleafing  to  thy  grace, 
To  fted  me  from  thy  ftore  $ 

Teach  me  the  fweetntfs  of  thy  ways, 
That  I  may  ferve  thee  more. 


Tixt  xciv.    The  Glory  and  Praife  of  God. 

P&IL.  I.  II. 

God,  inftrudt  my  tongue  to  move. 
And  fpeak  the  wonders  of  thy  love  ; 

What  love,  more  beauty  can  difplay, 
Than  that  eternal  love  of  thine, 
Which  doth  in  the  Redeemer  fhine 

More  glorious  than  the  morning  ray  ? 
Eternal  praife  is  due  to  God, 
Sweet  work  to  fpread  his  fame  abroad; 

Let  ev*ry  faint  this  work  purfue  s 
This  work  of  duty,  and  delight, 
To  which  the  fongs  above  invite, 

To  give  the  Saviour  glory  due. 

The  Father's  love,  well  pleas'd  to  own; 
kThe  work  accompiifh'd  by  the  Son, 
In  whom  he  ever  took  delight  5 

A  work 


i9o      EVANGELIC  POETRY; 


A  work  to  which  the  angels  fair, 
In  all  their  ftrength  unequal  were ; 

This  work  declares  the  Saviour's  might; 

Great  God  of  goodnefs,  and  of  g  ace, 
In  Chrift  may  J  behold  thy  face, 

And  thy  life  giving  prefence  grant  -. 
By  him  may  I  this  favour  claim, 
JTo  tafte  thy  love,  and  praife  thy  name. 

Found  in  thy  Son,  a  real  faint. 

Chrift's  right'oufnefs  can  make  complete 
A  wrgtch  who  needs  thy  mercy  great, 

Mercy,  the  fum  of  my  requeft^ 
My  fins  do  make  a  wretched  ftate, 
prace  can  my  foul  at  freedom  fet. 

And  lead  me  to  eternal  reft. 


Text  xcv.    The  Word  of  the  Lord  was  pre* 
cious.     i  Samuel  hi.  i. 

God*  s  great  almighty  hand, 

A  fure  foundation  lays, 
For  us  to  underftand 

The  works  which  fhow  his  praife  | 
His  work  difplays 
A  cheering  fcene, 
Where  we  may  learn 
His  glorious  ways. 

Behold  his  precious  word, 

Here  we  his  grace  may  know, 

Here  fee  a  glorious  God, 

Where  he  his  love  doth  ihow  : 

"   "  ~  **      *  Let 


fev  ANGELIC  POETRY*  191 


Let  hearts  arife 

With  ftrong  defire, 
And  thoughts  afpire 

To  found  his  praile. 

We  never  can  purfue 

A  more  exalted  theme * 
Here  grace  and  glory  too 
Reveal  God's  holy  name: 
O  fweet  employ  ! 
Here  we  may  trace 
The  ftreams  of  grace 
To  perfed  joy. 

The  treafure  of  the  word, 

•  Can  well  enrich  the  mindy 
Herr,  in  our  Saviour  Godf 
Eternal  life  we  find: 
Vain  world,  be  gone  % 
Be  hearts  above ; 
B*  Chrift  our  love, 
In  his  word  known. 


Tsxtxcv*.  All  are  of thtDujl.  EccL.111.26; 

JMy  body  form'd  of  thee,  O  Earth ! 

May  in  thy  bofom  claim  a  reft  ; 
By  thee  I  had  a  fhameful  birth, 

And  fcenes  ro  pain  my  troubled  breaftj? 

If  I  enlargement  in  thee  have, 
I  know  thou  art  a  prifon  ftill  5 

Far  from  the  bleffings  which  I  crave, 
Thou  canft  not  one  good  wilh  fulfil. 

Hovf! 


i94      EVANGELIC  POETRY/ 


How  many  fcenes  of  grief  and  woe* 

On  thee  I  conftantly  behold  ! 
How  vain  and  tranfient  all  thy  (how  j 

How  faife  thy  hills  of  Ihining  gold  ! 

fTii  falfe,  to  fay  that  thou  canft  fait 
The  breathings  of  an  heav'nly  mind  $ 

All  that  thou  haft,  and  all  thy  fruit, 
Were  never  for  a  foul  dtfiga'd, 

Farewell,  O  Earth  !  a  better  home 
My  heart  and  fervice  fhall  poffefs ; 

My  rifen  Lord,  once  in  thy  tomb, 
Can  give  me  all  true  happinefs. 

minimum. 

Text  xcvii*  We  alfojoy  inGod.  Rom.t.  iU 

Am  I  a  Chriftian  now  become* 

Is  this  my  happy  cafe, 
To  be  a  follower  of  the  Lamb, 

In  his  delightful  ways  ? 

How  (hall  I  praife  redeeming  grace* 

And  fing  the  Saviour's  love  I 
In  him  I  tafte  the  joy  of  peace, 

With  the  great  God  above. 

O  may  my  heart,  inflam'd  with  zeal, 

This  boundiefs  grace  declare  ! 
My  foul,  thofe  matchlefs  glories  tell, 

Which  in  my  Jefus  are  f 

No  worth,  no  worth,  in  me  is  found, 

That  I  Ihould  tafte  his  grace, 
And  fing  the  Saviour's  merits  round  ; 

With  joy  I  fee  his  face. 

To 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  tgz 


To  fre  his  face  without  a  cloud, 
Will  make  my  joy  complete; 

O  may  I  fing  his  love  aloud. 
Before  the  msrey  feat ! 


Text  xcviii.    Thou  canji  not  bear  them  which 
are  evil.    Rev.  ii.  2. 

I  To  my  Church  my  mind  reveal, 
That  I  her  caufe  and  int'rtft  feel  \ 
I  bear  my  faints  upon  my  mind, 
In  me  they  fhall  protection  find. 

Thofe  IVJimfters,  who  have  a  care, 
To  make  my  light  and  truth  appear,' 
I  will  encourage  to  purfue 
The  work  which  they  are  call*d  unto*; 

My  laints,  who  do  defire  to  fhine 
In  ways  of  holinefs  divine, 
I  will  with  love  their  fouls  inflame, 
To  well  adorn  a  Chriftian  name. 

Who  for  my  fake  have  grief  below, 
I  do  their  works  and  patience  know, 
Who  do  a  faithful  witnefs  bear, 
Agaiaft  thofe  men  who  wicked  are; 

With  care  in  fpecial,  you  muft  try 
The  men  who  with  a  fpecious  lie 
Pretend  they  are  fent  in  my  name, 
But  my  true  gofpel  don'c  proclaim; 

I  know  and  love  the  tried  fainf, 

\Vho  works  with  zeal,  and  does  not  faint  \ 


B  b  I  know 


r94      EVANGELIC  POETRt; 


I  know  the  patience  by  you  borne, 
When  you  my  name  and  caufe  wiil  own. 

Text  xcix.    Te  Jhall  find  Rejl  for  y our  Souls. 

JtR,  VI,  16. 

My  dear  Redeemer  is  my  ftay, 
And  heav'nly  light  he  will  difplay  5 
O  may  my  foul,  with  ftrong  dtfire, 
To  him,  my  only  joy,  afpire  ! 

How  long  (hall  I  a  mourner  be, 
That  I  his  fmiles  no  more  can  fee  ? 
That  I  without  him  walk  alone, 
And  for  his  prefence  fadly  mourn  ? 

Ah  !  foolilh  heart,  which  leaves  my  God, 
In  leaving  wifdom's  pleafant  road  5 
Strange  !  that  my  heart  from  God  fhould  go, 
And  fondly  plunge  in  grief  and  woe  ! 

My  God,  the  ftay  of  all  my  hope, 
My  love  in  thee  may  take  full  fcope  5 
Be  thou  the  fum  of  all  my  joy, 
And  be  thy  fervice  my  employ. 

Some  fweet  devotion  I  can  find, 
And  good  employment  for  the  mind, 
When  I  to  God,  my  Saviour,  live. 
And  truft  his  grace  alone  to  fave. 

Text  c.    That  tbofe  which  mGurn  may  be  tx* 
ailed  to  Jafety.    Job  v.  ki. 

Now  let  my  foul  arife  and  view 
The  fcenes  of  joy  above, 

And 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  195 

And  fee  if  objedts  here  below 
Can  claim  one  ad  of  love. 

How  bleffed  are  the  faints,  who  dwell 

In  that  all  glorious  place, 
Where  harps  do  found,where  tongues  do  tell 

Songs  of  redeeming  grace  ! 

Their  fongs  of  higheft  praife  appear 

Below  him  they  adore ; 
If  mourning  was  not  abfent  ther*, 

They'd  mourn  they  praife  no  more. 

Eternity  too  ftiort  would  be, 

If  it  had  any  end, 
To  found  the  fongs  of  grace  mod  free 

In  Chrift  their  bleffed  friend, 

O  muft  the  faints,  who  dwell  on  high, 

Live  all  on  things  divine ! 
And  (hall  the  things  below  the  Iky, 

Engage  this  foul  of  mine  ? 


Text  ci.    He  is  precious.    1  Piter,  ii.  7: 

3MaY  the  Redeemer  fhine, 

With  his  tranfeendent  love ; 
May  he  engage  this  heart  of  mine, 

To  facred  joy  above. 
By  faith  in  him,  may  I 

Receive  his  heav'nly  aid  ; 
I  only  on  his  grace  rely ; 

He  is  my  Lord  and  head. 

7*M 


r9s    Evangelic  pdEf  my, 

Jefus%  hi*  name  I  know, 

The  Saviour  moft  complete  5 

In  k\\  my  troubles  here  belo#, 
His  comforts  are  moft  (weet* 

When  I  enjoy  his  love, 

I  cannot  let  him  go, 
His  vifus  always  quickening*  prove, 

No  joy  can  cheer  me  fori 

0  may  his  arms  of  lore 
Surround  me  all  my  days  ! 

May  I   his  faithful  fervant  prove* 
In  his  delightful  ways  ! 

Car)  I  thofe  thoughts  approve, 
Which  lead  me  from  his  love  ? 

1  cannot  let  true  comfort  go, 
In  thoughts  of  Ghnft  above. 


Text  cii.    What  manner  of  Man  is  this? 
Mark  iv  41. 

HoW  precious  is  the  Lard  of  love, 

Whofe  glory  is  divine  I 
How  vile  my  treach'rous  heart  doth  prove, 

Which  from  him  doth  decline  ! 

How  full  of  light  doth  he  appear  ! 

More  glorious  than  the  fun  ! 
But  yet  my  fteps  fo  heedlcis  are* 

I  into  darknefs  run, 

JJ*,  a  kind  Shepherd  always  true3 
3^111  keep  his  chofen  fheep  * 

But 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  197 


But  I  do  often  from  him  go, 
And  then  no  joy  can  keep. 

He  is  the  bread  of  life  for  fouls, 
Sure  and  fubitantial  food; 

Why  then  do  I  forfake  thcfe  rules 
Which  he  pronounces  good  ? 

His  blood  can  cleanfe  me  from  my  fin* 
And  wafh  away  my  ftain; 

But  yet  1  am  impure  witnin, 
And  muft  of  fin  complain, 

Wh?!e  I  my  glorious  Lord  admire, 

Myfelf  I  will  condemn, 
That  I  no  more  to  him  repair, 

And  walk  no  more  with  him. 


Text  cjii.    Put  on  the  whole  Armour  cf  God. 
Eph.  vi.  11. 

Unto  ourfelves,  now  let  Us  take 

The  armour  of  our  God, 
And  ftand,  and  fight,  for  Jefus'  fake, 

If  caii'd,  refill  to  btood. 

We  do  the  Chriftian  armour  need, 

If  we  intend  to  ftand 5 
By  it  in  dangers  we  fuccced, 

Wh*n  it  doth  us  defend. 

If  in  diftrefs,  Chrift  hath  to  US 

A  kind  fuppdrret  been, 
Let  us  apply  unto  his  grace, 

To  keep  our  fouls  again. 

Some 


x98      EVANGELIC  POETRY, 


Some  new  temptation  may  arife, 

From  which  we  fcem  fecure, 
And  when  unguarded,  may  furprife 

The  (landing  we  thought  fure. 
The  tempter,  in  his  fubtle  way, 

Doth  various  methods  take; 
And  when  we  once  are  led  aftray. 

True  peace  doth  us  forlake. 


Text  civ.    "The  Redemption  of  cur  Boikfl 
Rom.  viii.  23. 

o  Happy  hour  !  O  glorious  day  ! 
When  1  (hall  leave  this  tent  of  clays 
And  never  more  with  fighs  complain* 
That  I  am  fettered  with  this  chain. 

My  fenfes  all  would  a£t  their  part, 
To  banifh  Jefus  from  my  heart; 
And  by  fome  objedt  they  approve, 
Make  me  forget  my  higheft  love. 

My  appetite  will  prove  a  fnare, 
Without  my  watchfulnefs  and  care; 
And  while  that  I  the  flefh  would  pleafe. 
Then  I  lofe  ground  in  wifdom's  ways. 

My  fancy  on  vain  obje6ts  fet, 
[Would  all  my  mind  a  wand'ring  get; 
And  give  my  conscience  grief  and  pain; 
With  images  both  light  and  vain. 

When  fuch  temptations  do  me  try, 
May  I  on  Chrift  for  help  rely, 

And 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  199 


And  my  attempts  fuccefsful  be, 
Through  Chritt,  who  can  do  all  for  me. 

The  body  muft  go  to  the  grave, 
Before  we  full  redemption  have  ; 
The  faints  will  bodies  wear  above; 
Which  will  all  move  in  perfedt  love; 


Text  cv.  Whom  Ijerve.  Acts  xxvii.  23; 

LORD,  to  thy  glory  may  I  live, 
And  to  thee  all  my  fervice  give ; 
I  will  with  care  thy  law  obferve, 
And  gladly  thy  good  pleafure  ferve; 

Should  grief,  reproach,  diftrefs  and  pain, 
Attend  me  while  I  here  remain, 
May  I  thy  glory  have  in  view, 
And  praife  thy  name  as  thy  jult  due." 

Lord,  what  are  earthly  things  to  me, 
If  I  am  ftill  afar  from  thee  ? 
Where  can  a  foul  true  pleafure  find. 
Which  is  not  unto  thee  refign'd  ? 

This  world,  with  ail  its  pomp  and  fhow; 
Cannot  delight  me  here  below ; 
O  may  I  in  it  find  a  place, 
To  wifely  run  the  Chriftian  race! 

My  God,  I  to  thy  will  fubmit ; 
All  things  behind,  I  will  forget; 
May*  I  by  trials  be  rcfin'd, 
To  things  above  engage  my  mind. 

po  thou  this  heart  of  mine  irnprefc 
With  friendly  feelings  to  thy  grace ; 


too      EVANGELIC  POETRY* 


In  all  the  duties  by  roe  done, 
May  love  engage  my  heart  and  tongue. 


Tixt  cvi%    1  have  waled  for  thy  Salvation* 
Gen.  xl*x.  18 

When  good  old  j  acob  knew 

H;S  gUfs  was  aim  ft  run, 
And  that  bis  fervice  here  bclovy 
Would  fpeediiy  be  done  : 

When  he  unto  trs  fons, 

Prophetic  blefiings  gave  : 
His  faith  relies  on  God  alone, 

For  peace  beyond  the  grave. 

He  for  his  Saviour  God, 

Had  long  a  waiting  been ; 
With  hopes  in  the  Redeemer's  bloody 

He  leaves  a  world  of  fin. 

We  all  a  Saviour  need; 

We  all  by  faith  rouft  live; 
And  Jacob's  God  to  Jacob's  feed 

Will  great  falvacion  give. 

Thcfe  who  are  heirs  of  grace, 
Great  bleffings  fhail  obtain, 

Who  feek  the  God  of  Jacob's  face, 
Nor  do  they  feek  in  vain. 

Textcvii.  The  Joy  of  the  Lord.  Neh.  vui.ro 

No  real  plcafure  can  we  find, 
[Wnen  vanities  amufe  the  mind  $ 


EVANGELIC  POETRY;      26 i 


We  never  can  enjoy  true  peace, 
And  not  live  near  the  God  of  grace, 

Thofe  men  are  wretched,  who  don'c  kno# 
Some  better  good  than  things  below  \ 
Vain  is  their  Bsaft  of  all  their  gains 
Of  wealth  acquir'd  by  care  and  pains; 

The  man,  with  whom  t  wi(h  to  vie^ 
Is  he  whofe  treafure  is  Gn  high; 
And,  near  the  fountain  of  delight. 
Enjoys  the  bsam*  of  heav'nly  light.1 

But  he  who  makes  it  his  chief  care* 
To  only  for  the  fl:fh  prepare, 
Shall  have  my  pity,  for  I  kno# 
His  way  will  to  deftrudtion  go. 

O  may  my  foul  by  faith  arift 
Xo  joy  abovei,  which  never  dies  ! 
When  (hall  I  go  to  that  bleft  place; 
Where  Chrift  unfolds  his  wond'rous  grace  i 

Text  cviii.    That  I  might  come  e<uen  to  his 
Seat  I    Job  xxiii.  3. 

I'LL  go  and  fpread  before  my  God, 

The  forrows  of  my  mind ; 
Til  fpeak  of  thoughts  which  rove  abroad. 

To  earthly  fcenes  totlin'd; 

I'll  pray  my  God  to  fend  relief, 
And  call  my  wandVings  home; 

To  lay  me  in  his  bofom  fafe, 
Where  forrows  cannot  come. 

cc  hi 


202      EVANGELIC  POETRY. 


I'll  reach  for  joy  beyond  the  fky, 
Where  joy  forever  fprings, 

E'en  where  the  fool  finds  no  annoy 
From  tranfitory  things. 

To  tafte  the  joy  of  faving  grace, 
Which  now  is  faintly  told, 

To  fee  the  dear  Redeemers  face. 
Will  frefti  delight  unfold. 

|Then  while  we  adt  a  part  bdow, 
We'll  feek  for  Chrift  above, 

And  by  his  gracious  vifics  knuw 
Commifnion  in  his  love. 


Text  cix.    Let  brotherly  Love  continue. 
Heb.  xiii  i. 

Q  GOD,  the  God  of  peace  1 

Engage  my  heart  above  ; 
Send  down  thy  Spirit,  and  thy  grace, 

And  cheer  me  with  thy  love. 

I  will  my  mind  employ, 

To  do  my  neighbour  good, 
And  pray  that  he  may  peace  enjoy 

In  the  Redeemers  blood, 

I'll  take  a  feeling  part 

In  forrows  he  doth  bear; 
With  all  who  are  of  heavy  heart, 

May  I  a  burden  fliare. 

My  brother's  wealth  and  fame, 
Shall  pleafure  to  me  give  * 

And 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  203 


And  pray,  his  heart  may  be  in  frame, 
A  humble  faint  to  live* 

When  others  fpiteful  prove, 
May  I  forgive  the  wrong  ; 

And  may  the  Saviours  dying  love* 
Be  on  my  heart  and  tongue. 


Text  ex.    Strong  in  Faith,  giving  Glory  to 
God,    Rom.  iv.  20. 

I"I  \PPY  thofe  fouls  who  do  appear 
Enrich'd  with  heav'nly  giace; 

There  Cirifi:,  in  whom  true  glories  are, 
Reveals  his  glorious  face. 

He  who  has  Chrift,  what  can  he  need  £. 

Without  him,  what  have  we  ? 
Fly  to  the  Saviour's  arms  with  fpeed  5  - 

With  gofpel  terms  agree,  , 

To  have  Chrift  in  your  fouls,  muft  mean 

That  you  with  him  unite; 
If  you  would  facred  joy  obtain, 

He  muft  be  your  delight. 

May  joy  above  engage  the  foul  5 

May  Jefus  be  your  all ; 
May  love,  your  kind  affeftions  rule} 

On  Chrift  for  mercy  call. 

Jefus  will  to  the  foul  afford 

The  joy  of  grace  divine; 
By  the  redemption  of  his  blood, 

We  may  be  free  from  fin. 

Text  cxi.~ 


m4      EVANGELIC  POETRY. 

Text  cxi.    He  thai  ferueth  Cbrifc. 
Rom  xiv.  18. 

TRUE  joy,  $nd  peace,  and  righi^ufndij. 
Belong  to  all  the  heirs  of  blifs; 
Chrift  hath  fecur'd  for  them  in  Heav'n,. 
That  kingdom,  which  to  them  is  gif'o,' 

Heirs  of  this  kingdom  ferve  their  King  $ 
They  cheerful  fervice  to  him  bring) 
Their  joy  and  ftrength  is  in  the  Lord  $ 
They  in  his  merits  have  reward. 

The  faints  beftow  religious  care 
pa  what  Chrift*s  kingdom  doth  declare  | 
The  more  they  do  his  kingdom  view. 
The  more  they  in  his  fervice  do.  ' 

Chrifl*$  fervants  only  do  obtain 
The  juft  efteem  of  God  and  man  $ 
The  works  of  duty  none  do  givej. 
Who  unto  Jefus  do  not  live.  d-  1 

Q  I  may  I  always  be  employ'd 
In  the  good  fervice  of  the  Lord  i 
Firm  in  his  caufe  may  I  abide, 
And  nothing  turn  my  feet  afide. 


tTEXT  cxii.    Jefus  was  called  to  the  Afarriagfe 
John  11,  2,       *  ^ 

Happy  the  marriage,  where  the  Lord, 
H  s  facred  prefence  doth  afford, 
And  kindly  there  reveals  his  love  y 

1*01  . 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  205 

flow  honourable  is  the  gueft, 
|^ow  enterta'ning  is  the  feraft, 

Gra^M  with  his  vifits  from  above  ! 

Where  Chrift  the  Prince  of  peace  is  found, 
The  nuptial  is  with  honour  crown'd  5 

How  happy  is  the  dove  like  pair, 
Whofe  hearts  conforrxi'd  to  gofpel  grace, 
Each  other  in  the  Lord  embrace. 

Jointly  devoted  to  his  fear ! 

|<uft  to  the  Lord,  themfelves  they  give* 
Then  to  each  other  while  they  live  * 

Making  religion  their  employ, 
They  view  tins  tranfient  life  a  glance. 
And  live  by  faith  and  not  by  fenfe  5 

Expectants  for  fublimer  joy. 

But  wretched  thofe  in  wedlock  join'd, 
Whofe  hearts  to  Chrift  no  union  find  ^ 

Abufing  what  they  cannot  ufe  ; 
Antediluvian-like,  prepare 
for  their  own  foul*  a  dang'rous  fnare  * 

Expo&'d  to  mifery  and  woes. 


Th-t  cxiu.    The  Lord  cometb.    JtmE,  14. 

God  comes  in  flames  array'd  $ 

His  Maj-fty  difply'd, 
Will  make  the  guilty  nations  fear  5 

Then  would  his  foes  retire  | 

To  (hun  devouring  fire, 
When  he  in  glory  will  appear; 


Sinners 


'  206      EVANGELIC  POETRY, 


Sinners  with  terrors  aw'd, 

MuR  meet  a  ff owning  Gad, 
And  ftand  before  his  gracious  face  $ 

The  glory  of  the  day 

WiSi  infidels  difcnay, 
Who  have  defpis'd  the  day  of  grace.  H 

The  Saviour,  who  will  ftand 

A  Judge  at  God's  right  hand, 
In  love  and  jvftice  then  proceeds  5 

Then  will  the  tribes  of  men 

Find  fcenes  of  blifs,  or  pain, 
According  to  their  various  deeds. 

Vile  firiners  then  will  know 

A  dreadful  overthrow; 
The  Judge's  fentenc?  on  them  paft. 

Forever  will  ab:de, 

While  they  in  Ifcame  and  pride 
Will  know  and  feel  their  foals  are  loth] 

The  coming  of  the  Lorc^ 

Will  to  the  faints  afford 
A  b  ight  and  welcome  fcenej 

When  glory  in  full  blaze, 

Will  ftimulate  their  praife, 
To  fing  Hallelujah,  Amen. 

Text  cxiv.    The  Kingdom  Jhall  be  the  Lord9 si 
Obadiah,  21. 

O  HAPPY  day  !  when  Chrift  the  Lor*' 

His  kingly  pow'r  fhall  take, 
And  thofe  who  now  rejefib  his  word, 

His  willing  fubje&s  make: 

.When 


EVANGELIC  POETRY.  207 


When  he  who  hath  a  glorious  right 

To  reign  as  Lord  of  all, 
Shall  bring  dear  fouls  with  fweet  delight, 

To  hear  his  heav'nly  call  : 

When  thefe  to  him  (hall  gathered  be. 

Who  now  di  (per  fed  are ; 
And  he  in  heav'nly  maj:fty, 

In  glory  lhall  appear : 

When  unto  him  there  lhall  be  born, 

A  nation  in  a  day, 
And  with  his  graces  thofc  adorn, 

Who  gofpei  calls  obey. 

Text  cxv.    He  rofe  again  the  third  Day. 
1  Cor.  xv.  4* 

LeT  praifes  to  the  Lord, 
Infpire  each  pious  bread  ; 
,  Let  faints,  this  day,  the  wonders  tell, 
Of  our  Redeemer  Chrift. 

This  fweet  and  blefTed  day, 

Chrift  rais'd  his  facred  head  ; 
No  longer  in  the  toaibto  lie, 

Among  the  fileat  dead. 

His  friends  with  joy  did  find 

Him  rifen  from  the  tomb  ; 
The  grave  his  body  had  refignM^ 

Free. from  corruption's  doom. 

Come  let  us  join  the  faints, 

And  angels,  in  their  praife, 
Whofe  harps  and  tongues  are  never  fain*, 

In  fonge  of  w ond'rous  grace. 


FINIS. 


r  advertisement; 

The  Author  cf  the  foregoing  Work,  being 
I  fenfible  ( afar  the  Printing  was  nearly  completed] 
that  the  Books  would  be  too  bulky  without  bind- 
ing* thought  it  befi  to  have  them  bound,  the  coji 
cf  which  being  reafonable,  ( having  alfo  added 
lever*  pages  more  than  were  at  firfi  propojed) 
and  ihofe  who  have  fubfcribed  not  being  held  t& 
their  cblization,  if  they  cboofe  to  be  releafed—~ 
flatters  himfelf  will  be  a  fufficient  apology  for 
deviating  from  the  firft  prppofals. 


ERRATA. 

PAGE  10,  Line  7,  for  reformed,  read  refloSdi 
13,        21 1  for  points,  read  paints. 
36,         19,  for  reost  read  roes. 
85,  if  the  comma  after  fervants^ 

place  after  vile %  and  dele  the 
comma  after  primes. 
91,         8,  for       read  //. 
94,        17,  for  refe,  read  rife. 
98f        13,  for  prevat ion ,  read  privatiotii 

19,  for  While  %  read  Will. 
117,        23,  for  fare,  xti&fire. 
\         149*         9»  for  carnal %  read  f acred. 


**  Befidcs  the  Errata  in  the  laft 
Page,  the  Reader  is  defired  to  no- 
tice the  following : 
P+age  Lime    Error  Correct 
14      13       can  can't 
19     39       them  they 
25     22       manner  banner 
32      18       place  peace 
40      28       joys  jaws 
56  '    2       Uqlefa  Until 
76       5       Ark  Law 
92  in  Part  i.  after  line  5,  read 
And  of  his  weight  then  mention  make  j 
106     23       allign  aflign 
ibid     28       make  take 
116     17      they  thy 
ibid     23       they  thy 
135     21      fourth  forth 


I 


